Architect of need to change approach to renovation of Armenian  Genocide Memorial 

ArmInfo. Instead of completely demolishing the Tsitsernakaberd Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex, it's necessary to simply reconsider the approach to its reconstruction. Architect Anahit Tarkhanyan stated this at a press  conference in Yerevan during a discussion of the reconstruction of  the Armenian Genocide Memorial Complex.

In this regard, the architect noted that the design work being used  for its reconstruction is unprofessional and contains numerous  errors. This, she noted, could lead to serious consequences.  Specifically, the methodology currently being used for the memorial's  reconstruction will ultimately lead to more serious problems with its  hydrophobicity, which they are currently ostensibly trying to solve.

In this regard, she touched on the main problem that will arise with  the onset of the rainy season. "The upper part of the memorial  remains open, which will allow rainwater to penetrate the memorial's  foundation. This, in turn, will lead to increased humidity and  further damage," Tarkhanyan explained.

Meanwhile, the architect noted that there are certain approaches to  this type of work. In this regard, she expressed outrage that this  reconstruction is currently being carried out by people lacking the  necessary experience and understanding. "During the reconstruction,  it was necessary to at least use hydrophobic materials that repel  water. It's noteworthy that the complex already had water drainage  mechanisms, which were designed by its architects. These are all  principles that were established long ago and were intended  specifically to protect monuments and structures of national  significance," the architect explained.

She then touched on the financial costs. Tarkhanyan noted that the  funds allocated for the work were five times greater than those  required for a reconstruction of this type.

"The government allocated significant resources for the memorial's  reconstruction. But the question arises as to whether such  expenditures were necessary. The reality is that the reconstruction  of the Memorial Complex could have been carried out with less labor,  in less time, and at a lower cost. And with the right approach, all  work on its grounds could have been completed by summer," the expert  noted.

Speaking about the actions that need to be taken to preserve the  memorial complex, she emphasized that, first and foremost, everything  must be done to temporarily suspend work on its grounds. Then,  Tarkhanyan continued, it is necessary to analyze the work already  completed and understand the complex's current condition.

"Furthermore, it is necessary to develop a separate approach  specifically for the reconstruction of the basalt pylons (12 slabs  installed around the complex - ed.), which are currently in a  terrible state. Specifically, we need to understand how to restore  the damaged pylons and what approach to use for transforming the  intact slabs," Tarkhanyan explained.

In summary, the architect reiterated that the excesses allowed by the  architects were senseless and constituted nothing more than a waste  of public funds. In this regard, she announced her intention to hold  meetings in the near future with the Minister of Education, Science,  Culture, and Sports (MECS) Zhanna Andreasyan and the designers to  understand what is actually happening on the grounds of the Armenian  Genocide Memorial Complex and how it can be corrected.

As a reminder, the state has allocated 800 million drams for the  reconstruction of the Armenian Genocide Institute Museum and the  Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex. The work is scheduled for  completion within 300 days, that is, by the end of 2026.

However, many experts are inclined to believe that the so-called  reconstruction of the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex to the victims  of the Armenian Genocide, which "coincidentally" coincided with the  signing of the Washington Declaration of Peace, sends a message about  Yerevan's willingness to make concessions. Furthermore, the issue of  artificially extended reconstruction deadlines and numerous mistakes,  which are resulting in more damage than restoration, has been  repeatedly raised.