Comparative Analysis of the Oldest Indoor Markets in Rostov-on-Don

Abstract

This paper examines the historical emergence of the oldest markets: the Nakhichevan Covered Market on the Market Square (1914) and the Covered Market on the Old Bazaar (1893), reveals their architectural, artistic and design features. Reconstruction, restoration and preservation of objects in modern urban conditions are investigated, new factual data are obtained. The purpose of the study is to review and compare the covered markets of Rostov-on-Don and Nakhichevan-on-Don. Each object was analyzed from the point of view of its location in the structure of the urban fabric, functional and planning solutions, design features, as well as architectural and artistic features, historical and cultural value preserved to the present day. As a result of the conducted research, it was revealed that both objects have similar historically established locations and market formations in the emerging urban structure, similar functional planning and design solutions. Architectural solutions have similar compositional features of building facades and volumetric solutions, but there are characteristic architectural and artistic features for each pavilion. In modern conditions, the objects have been preserved in good condition, but have lost their original appearance of the «brick style». Both buildings were originally made by the method of open masonry of red brick without the use of plaster and paint. As a result of comparative analysis, it was revealed that the Indoor Market in the Old Bazaar (1893) served as an analogue for the Nakhichevan indoor market on the Market Square.