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Half-Life Spaces: Non-Permanent Urbanism of the Soviet-German Uranium Mining Corporation Wismut

Thu, November 21, 2:00 to 3:45pm EST (2:00 to 3:45pm EST), Boston Marriott Copley Place, Floor: 4th Floor, Grand Ballroom Salon D

Abstract

The Soviet-German Uranium Mining corporation Wismut was the main provider for Soviet nuclear programmes and the third-largest uranium producer worldwide. As demand and availability of resources were fluctuating, Wismut's operatives faced a necessity for transient spatial arrangements to support various aspects of its operation, including research, health, and security systems, as well as provisions for housing, culture, sport, entertainment, and recreation for its expansive labour force. This paper examines the constellations of binational actors engaged in the planning, construction, procurement, maintenance, and disposal of Wismut's built environments. It explores their strategies for managing non-permanence in Wismut’s spatial organisation.

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