<p>A classic panorama of late imperial<br />

Kyiv with a view of the University main building from<br />

Kruhlouniversytetska / Kruty Uzviz street. A big number of similar<br />

photos, taken in the 1860s-1910s, affords an opportunity to trace<br />

back the process of modernization and urbanization of Kyiv, as well<br />

as that of the waves of housing themselves. A characteristic feature<br />

of this panoramic perspective is the domination of the majestic<br />

structure of the University main building over the visually small,<br />

mostly one- and two-storied housing of the lowland. One can see<br />

Bibikovsky boulevard with poplars in the photo, as well as an open<br />

area in front of the university and the Bessarabsky market.</p><p><br />

This photo, taken approximately in<br />

the 1870s, depicts new private housing of the Nova Budova area<br />

consisting mainly of one- and two-storied mansions separated by free<br />

spaces. A few covered pavilions of the Bessarabsky market, which had<br />

no walls, are well within view too. There is no high-rise housing to<br />

the left of the university.</p><p>Olga Martyniuk</p>