Radio Tower

As you come out of Shabolovskaya Metro station and turn left past all the ladies trying to sell you holidays to Germany (I have no idea why!) this 140 metre high radio tower looms at you from across the road. It was the first large post revolutionary structure and for a short time became a symbol for the period in which great innovation and experimentation were encouraged.

Vladimir Shukhov designed the tower which was originally supposed to be 350 metres high but ended up lower due to a lack of finance. Even at 140 metres though it towered over neighbouring buildings and allowed Moscow radio to broadcast worldwide. The tapering structure consists of 5 diminishing hyperboloids (9 were originally planned) and the tower was erected using Shukov's own telescopic method of assembly which required no scaffolding.

The tower is currently under threat of demolition and there is a campaign to save the tower.