– Tamara Alekseevna, did you want to become an architect as a child?

– I was born in central Russia, in Elets. These are the lands of literary Orlovshchina, of historic and architectural monuments. I liked to draw, sculpt in clay and then paint it. My classmates gave me the book by architect Tsapenko with an inscription: “To the future architect.” I went to Kyiv to apply for Kyiv Institute of Engineering and Construction, the Department of Architecture. So I knew what I want already as a schoolchild. 

– Why Kyiv and not, say, Moscow?

– Somehow it seems that Moscow Institute of Architecture would be more competitive and it would be harder to get in. So I chose Kyiv. I lived in a dormitory, my parents, of course, were anxious. It was not easy. 

…

– You probably use the subway. What is your favorite station?

– Of course I do. I do not have a car. All stations took blood, sweat, and tears [vystradannye]. But Dorohozhichi is, probably, my favorite one, this is not an ordinary station. My friend even brings foreigners there, to show what she thinks is the most beautiful subway station.

…

– Some people say: let all stations be the same because what matters is to move, not to enjoy architecture, which is something one could save at.

– Moving on rails is not a metro. Architecture in general, and the architecture of the metro in particular, contributes to expanding the horizon and to an aesthetic education of people. Because of meager funding we cannot always express what we conceive. As I say: we design one thing, have another approved, and yet another built.

…

– Do you follow the political situation in the country?

– Yes, yes. I come home and immediately listen to the news. I am from Russia, but I studied and live here, I married a Ukrainian. I am giving all of my energy to this city, and this is important to me, because my motherland is where I live. I am sick of politicians. People are tired of what is going on. Many went to Maidan, when the revolution happened. They were hoping for global changes but it is changing to the worse thus far. 

– And what are the ways out of the situation?

– Only one, that the power becomes more humane. Unless they realize that, they will die, and we will die with them. Politicians have to unite for achieving the common goal.

…

– What do you like to do in your spare time?

– The most important is to maintain the connection between life and art. I like exhibitions, cinema–there is nothing to watch on TV. I like Fedor Bondarchuk, Mikhalkov. Theater–sure, although sometimes it gets pricey. I used to collect books on art. I travel a lot. I have been to all former Soviet republics. I have been to many countries in Europe: France, Andorra, Spain. I used to do mountaineering and even climbed to the top of Elbrus. It was scary at first but then you get used to it.

Facts

Out of 46 currently working stations Tamara Tselikovskaya designed 25, and is also the author of another 5, which are to be constructed.

Dealing with her male colleagues [she] first of all considers herself a specialist, and only then – a woman.

From “Tamara Tselikovskaya. Vliublennaia v metro.” Interview with Tamara Tselikovska by Denis Gontar (originally published in Novaya, 26.02.2009 (in Russian): https://forum.metropoliten.kiev.ua/viewtopic.php?p=138522#138522