Revisit Zhemchug: The courtyards in the sky designed by Ofeliia Aidinova in Soviet-era Tashkent in Uzbekistan stand in contrast to the neoliberal housing landscape.

The article focuses on Zhemchug, a distinctive Soviet-era social housing tower in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, designed by architect Ofeliia Aidinova and completed in 1985. Conceived as a vertical reinterpretation of traditional mahalla neighborhoods, the building features communal three-story courtyards, iwans (covered porches) within apartments, and innovative construction techniques such as sliding formwork and expanded clay concrete. Following the 1966 earthquake that destroyed much of Tashkent’s historic fabric, Zhemchug symbolized a socialist vision of community living and regional identity. Since the Soviet Union’s collapse, the building has been privatized, with residents adapting and personalizing their homes while maintaining strong communal ties. Current preservation efforts aim to balance restoration of Aidinova’s original design with recognition of residents’ modifications, reflecting growing appreciation for Tashkent’s modernist heritage. [Extracted from the article]