The lost centre: Magnitogorsk revisited

Abstract

The following article sketches the history of Magnitogorsk, once the most exciting new industrial city in the Soviet Union under Stalin, and recently experiencing the problems of a city in transition. It is argued that even under a rigid planned economy city development is shaped by continuously changing paradigms. It is interesting to find the political and economic history of the city expressed in its design, and to note its richness in urban fabric and architectural detail. It is shown that the city, once outlined for the socialist way of life, nowadays has to adapt radically to the capitalist economy. This process can best be studied by looking at the central functions of the city. Magnitogorsk is an interesting example of a city that creates an unusual pattern of centres as a result of its history and the ongoing adaptation. The pattern is interpreted by looking closely at the concept of centrality. Finally, the potential of the city that lies in the central lake — separating and connecting at the same time — is illustrated.