Post-Revolution Constructivism (1917-1932)
Pictured above is the Kirov District house of Soviets, created by architect Noi Trotsky in the 30's
Definition and Background
Constructivism was the first Communist-minded attempt at architecture in history: Russia finally utilized state-of-the-art technology to propel their building to the modern world. Influenced by Russian Futurism, the style is hallmarked by the use of cubism to define abstract, conceptual designs: a change from the traditional thought of Soviet Russian architecture as rigid and lifeless.
ASNOVA/Rationalism Period
Architecture was still fiercely pursued by the Soviets after the revolution despite the nation's impoverished state. The first attempt was the Gestalt-influenced Association of New Architects (ASNOVA), responsible for the abstract Wolkenbugel Horizontal Skyscrapers pictured below. Other examples can be found in the popular science fiction film Aelita, the state-run NEP-purposed Mosselprom General store, and modern offices of the mass press.
Horizontal Skyscrapers
OSA Architecture
Another colder, technological approach was pioneered by the Organization of Contemporary Architects (OSA). The group's strength was public housing design inspired by functionalism and Ernst May. These most famously included Ivan Nikolaev's Communal House of the Textile institute and Ginzburg's Narkomfin Building (pictured below). Ginzburg criticized the style's philosophy however, saying that the change was simply more of the same: treating workers' housing in the same way as they would bourgeois apartments
Everyday/Miscellaneous Period Architecture
The late 1920's marked the settling of constructivist architecture into routine Soviet architecture, flourishing under the NEP, including the gigantic Gosprom complex (pictured below) in Kharkiv as a state building. The constructivists attempted to insert strange, avant-garde style into everyday life. The new prevalence of the style inspired otherwise traditional architects such as Ivan Zholtovsky to incorporate constructivism into their works, and become prominent constructivists in their own right. Some works were even featured in contemporary film, such as The General Line.
Influences on the West
Russian architect's contacts in Western Europe led many architects of that region to proudly brand their work as constructivist. Despite not knowing the social and philosophical context of these architectural forms, the Western European school of New Objectivity admired the austere angles and severe geometry of the architecture. Western constructivism is epitomized in the Netherlands: the Van Nelle Tobacco Factory (pictured below) created at the time was nominated for the UNESCO World heritage.
Town Planning
Despite there being a rise in constructivist buildings in certain buildings and then eventually in everyday life, there were few constructivist city plans or cities where every building was designed in that fashion. Rather, the norm became a mixture of constructivist elements and traditional style, as supported by those architects of conflicting schools. The only solely constructivist community was the Narvskaya Zastava district of Leningrad. Constructivists hoped that their style would spread rapidly following the Cultural Revolution coinciding with the 5-year plan. This fell through due to internal school disunity as well as fleeing German architect's ideas being favored more. An example of a product of this era is the Tsentrosoyuz building, pictured below, as well as the Town Hall by Noi Trotsky pictured at the top.
Eventual Collapse
The genre would have culminated to the construction of the palace of the Soviets in 1932, but the style was receiving criticism as being a sophisticated, expensive design that was not conducive to their still agrarian-based society in any case. The design was decided by a competition of entries, and the winning entry marked the starting point of the next era of architecture, Stalinism.
Legacy and Modern Influences
Constructivism as many vestiges within Russia and internationally, but the most pertinent remnant is it's influence on High-tech culture of today. Richard Roger's Lloyd Building (below) is a stunning example of its influences. Deconstructivism imports the dynamic feel of constructivism, without the social or ideological bearing.