Discussion on the Development of the Center of Kaliningrad during the Period of Perestroika. History of the City

Abstract

Based on materials from the regional press and archival documents, the authors examine the main directions of the discussion on the development of the center of Kaliningrad with the participation of architects, builders, government officials and the general public, which took place during the years of perestroika. The article analyzes the attitude towards the historical and cultural heritage of pre-war Königsberg, examines the fate of two architectural and construction dominants of the city that suffered greatly during the war – the Gothic knight's castle of the 13th century demolished in the 1960s and the preserved and restored Cathedral of the 14th century. The history of the construction and dismantling of the House of Soviets, which was intended to become a new architectural symbol of Soviet Kaliningrad, was studied. The authors note that during the years of perestroika there was a transition from denial of the value of the cultural heritage of predecessors to its recognition, “appropriation,” protection and use in the interests of Kaliningrad residents. It is concluded that the fruitful discussion that took place then about the appearance of the city center, the positions stated in it, the proposals and arguments made retain their significance, since today, especially after the dismantling of the “patriarch of long-term construction” of the House of Soviets, the question again becomes very relevant: what should the center of Kaliningrad be like?