Talakan history

Founding History

Talakan is a comparatively young settlement in the Amur Oblast, the history of which is inextricably linked to the development of hydropower in Russia. It did not arise spontaneously but was established as a planned workers' settlement intended for the builders and operational staff of the Bureya Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP).

The first pages of the settlement's chronicle were written in the second half of the 1970s, when surveyors and advance teams of hydro-builders arrived in this remote corner of the taiga. It was the commencement of massive construction on the Bureya River that marked the starting point for the life of this new settlement.

Key Development Factors

• Geographic Location: The site for the settlement was chosen on the right bank of the Bureya River, in a picturesque hilly area. The surrounding taiga and complex terrain dictated their own conditions during design and construction.
• Industrial Necessity: Talakan was created as a "satellite" of the hydroelectric station. Its existence and development were entirely driven by the need for housing and infrastructure for the thousands of specialists engaged in the dam's construction.
• Transport Logistics: An important stage in its formation was the construction of a road connecting the building site with the federal highway and railway network, which brought the territory out of isolation.

Early Appearance and Features

Unlike ancient cities that expanded over centuries, Talakan was designed from the outset as a modern settlement with urban infrastructure. The focus here was on capital construction: instead of temporary barracks, comfortable multi-story buildings were erected to ensure comfort for people working in harsh climatic conditions.

In the early stages, the settlement's economy was fully concentrated on providing the construction site with materials and personnel. The cultural environment was formed as a "fusion" of traditions brought by engineers and workers from various regions of the country, united by a common goal — taming the river's energy.

Major Development Milestones

The history of the settlement is inextricably linked to the stages of the Bureya HPP construction, which determined the rhythm of life for the local population.

• 1976: The first team of surveyors and hydro-builders arrived at the future construction site, marking the beginning of the territory's development.
• 1979: The locality received official status as a workers' settlement and the name Talakan.
• 1981: The first permanent apartment building was commissioned, marking the transition from temporary housing to permanent residence.
• 1985: The diversion of the Bureya River channel took place — a key event for the builders and residents of the settlement.
• 2000: Resumption of the active phase of hydroelectric station construction after a period of economic stagnation.
• 2003: Ceremonial launch of the first hydro-unit, supplying the first current to the energy system of Eastern Russia.
• 2007: Commissioning of the sixth and final hydro-unit, with which the station reached its design capacity.
• 2009: Completion of the shore spillway construction, an important safety element of the hydroelectric complex.
• 2011: The Bureya HPP was officially accepted into permanent operation by the state commission.
• 2014: Opening of a modern sports and wellness complex with a swimming pool for the settlement's residents.

Stages of Formation and Transformation

The development of the Talakan settlement is an example of how a large-scale industrial project can create a modern urban environment in the middle of the impenetrable taiga. The history of the settlement is divided into several key phases, each of which radically changed the way of life and the economy of the territory on a scale relevant to all of Russia.

• Laying the Foundation in the Taiga: The arrival of the first builders and the creation of basic infrastructure in the late 1970s was of strategic importance. This turned a wild stretch on the banks of the Bureya into a bridgehead for one of the largest construction projects in the Far East.
• Course on Capital Construction: Unlike many temporary workers' settlements, a master plan was adopted here immediately, providing for the erection of well-appointed multi-story buildings. This decision set a high standard for quality of life and made it possible to attract qualified specialists for permanent residence.
• River Channel Diversion: The technical victory over the elements in 1985 was a turning point. This event not only changed the geographical landscape but also strengthened the residents' belief in the success of the grandiose project.
• Preservation During Turbulence: In the difficult 1990s, despite the slowdown in construction, the settlement was saved from degradation. The preservation of infrastructure and the core workforce became the foundation for future progress.
• Economic Renaissance of the 2000s: The resumption of active funding for the construction led to rapid economic growth. New jobs appeared in the settlement, and trade and the service sector revived.
• Transformation into an Energy Hub: The launch of the first hydro-units changed Talakan's status. From a place consuming resources for construction, it turned into a powerful hub generating energy and revenue for the region.
• Socio-Cultural Modernization: In recent decades, the focus has shifted to the comfort of residents. The construction of modern sports complexes, a swimming pool, and the improvement of public spaces have made the settlement attractive not only for work but also for quality leisure and raising children.

Urban Planning Concept and Landscape

The architectural appearance of Talakan is unique in its contrast: it is an island of modern urbanisation amidst the wild Far Eastern taiga. Unlike ancient cities with chaotic development, Talakan is a fully planned settlement designed by the "Lengidroproekt" institute. The master plan of the settlement initially took into account the complex terrain, so construction was carried out in terraces, harmoniously blending into the hilly landscape on the banks of the Bureya River.

The urban structure is characterized by compactness and clear zoning. Residential quarters are separated from the industrial zone, which ensures a comfortable living environment. Due to its location on high ground, panoramic views of the reservoir and hills open up from the windows of many houses, giving the settlement a picturesque, almost resort-like appearance.

Architectural Style: Late Soviet Modernism

Since the construction of the settlement began in the late 1970s, the dominant style here is late Soviet modernism and industrial housing construction. There are no buildings from the era of Classicism or Baroque; the architecture has an emphatically functional character, typical of young industrial centers in Russia.

• Residential Development: The basis of the housing stock consists of permanent apartment buildings — five-story and nine-story panel buildings with improved layouts. Their facades are concise, devoid of excessive decoration, but look neat and monumental against the background of the forest. Bright color accents added during modern renovations help to dilute the severity of the concrete structures.
• Public Buildings: Administrative and cultural institutions are executed in the spirit of Soviet functionalism: simple geometric forms, extensive glazing, and spacious internal halls.

Iconic Structures and Modernity

Although Talakan is small, it has its own architectural dominants that form the recognizable silhouette of the settlement.

The key object is undoubtedly the Bureya HPP itself. This is a grandiose hydraulic structure in the style of industrial gigantism. The massive dam and the station building, made of concrete and metal, represent an impressive example of engineering architecture, demonstrating the power of human thought.

In the modern period (the 2000s and today), the appearance of the settlement has been supplemented with new social infrastructure facilities. A school building with a swimming pool, modern shopping centers, and a sports and wellness complex have introduced elements of modern architecture using composite materials and stained glass, making the urban environment friendlier and brighter.

Distinguished Figures of Talakan

Since Talakan is a young settlement founded in 1976, its history and list of prominent people are inextricably linked with the construction and operation of the Bureya HPP. The main heroes here are the engineers, hydro-builders, and energy workers, through whose labor one of the most powerful energy facilities in Russia was erected in the harsh conditions of the taiga.

• Alexander Garanzha
  Role: General Director of JSC "Bureyagesstroy".
  Significance: A legendary figure in the history of Amur hydropower. He headed the general contracting organization during the most intense years of construction. Under his direct leadership, concrete was laid into the dam body and hydro-units were installed. He made a huge contribution to the development of the social infrastructure of the settlement itself.
• Vladimir Peshkov
  Role: General Director of JSC "Bureya HPP" (during the active construction period).
  Significance: Acted as the head of the directorate for the station under construction in the 2000s. It was under his management that the construction received a "second wind" after the stagnation of the 90s, the first hydro-units were launched, and the station began to generate electricity.
• Alexander Garkin
  Role: Director of the PJSC "RusHydro" branch — "Bureya HPP".
  Significance: Managed the station at the stage of it reaching full design capacity and during the first years of permanent operation. Ensured the reliable operation of equipment and the formation of a professional team of operational staff living in Talakan.
• Vladimir Tokarev
  Role: Head of the "Zeyagesstroy" Department.
  Significance: One of the organizers of the first landing of builders at the Talakan site in 1976. He stood at the origins of the settlement's founding and oversaw the initial stages of creating roads and housing for the first residents.
• Vasily Tatarnikov
  Role: Chief Engineer, subsequently Director of the Bureya HPP.
  Significance: Technical leader responsible for the most complex engineering solutions during the completion and operation of the station. His expertise ensured the safety and efficiency of the hydroelectric complex in difficult climatic conditions.
• Anatoly Chubais
  Role: Chairman of the Board of RAO "UES of Russia" (1998–2008).
  Significance: Played a key role in making the political and economic decision to complete the Bureya HPP. His regular visits to Talakan and provision of financing allowed the long-delayed project to be turned into a modern energy facility.