The architecture of Soviet Russia was born together with the October Socialist Revolution as an architecture of revolution.
We can find through Soviet architecture historical evidence of an era where people who were previously oppressed rebelled against the structure of society to fight for a common well-being. This new way of life was based on communist principles where equality and hard work functioned as the backbone of the system.
This can be appreciated in the purpose and organization of constructions, blocks and districts built in those times, but most predominantly in the architecture of buildings.
We can find through Soviet architecture historical evidence of an era where people who were previously oppressed rebelled against the structure of society to fight for a common well-being. This new way of life was based on communist principles where equality and hard work functioned as the backbone of the system.
This can be appreciated in the purpose and organization of constructions, blocks and districts built in those times, but most predominantly in the architecture of buildings.
With such a drastic change in the structure of society and the absolution of private property, the architect was now placed in an unprecedented framework where they had a new and unique responsibility to the state which impelled to reshape architecture to a new one that represented the adopted socialist values. In this way, architects played their part in contributing to the transformation of society.
The Search for a Style
During the first stages of planning there was a fierce competition among architects and their different styles that once officially approved excluded all others as incorrect or even as sabotage to the new adopted style.
It was architect Ivan Zholtovsky who pioneered a pseudo-classical style with his work in the Mokhova building and with the consolidation of Stalin’s power and his approval, it resulted in the newly established style.
It was architect Ivan Zholtovsky who pioneered a pseudo-classical style with his work in the Mokhova building and with the consolidation of Stalin’s power and his approval, it resulted in the newly established style.
Mokhovaya Building
Consequently, almost everything that had been built before the October 1917 revolution was considered as “the accursed past”. The world had to be built anew, and a common saying was heard throughout innumerable political meetings: “Wipe clean the slate of the past… let us rebuild the world from top to bottom!”
However, the past of the Soviet Union is embedded in its architecture. The Stalinist movement can be seen as a reaction to a time of scarcity and poverty. Stalinist constructions are grand and ostentatious with the purpose of inspiring people who lived in a hard life of poverty. The architecture was designed to encourage people to dream and believe in the better future that communism promised.
Such extravagant architecture send a message of hope and possibility of a better life to a country ruined after the Civil War and had just suffered through famine. It was also was used to astonish the whole world and seduce other nations to join Communism. Architects had to draw inspiration from the best of the past without copying it. As a result, we get a mixture where buildings resemble temples but with representations of the modern Soviet culture. |
Friendship of Nations Fountain
VSKhV Gardens
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The architecture of Soviet Russia is a component of the culture of the Soviet people. It reflects the common ideological message and a common set of values.
Stalinist Architecture in particular is characterized by the idealized portrayal of communist values through realistic imagery.
Stalinist Architecture in particular is characterized by the idealized portrayal of communist values through realistic imagery.
Stalin's Statue before it was toppled down
A system of aesthetics based on the human body would become the main component of socialist realism for decades to come. Architects believed that the sight of a healthy body, intelligent face or friendly smile was life enhancing and that it could educate citizens on how to be perfect Soviets.
Ukraine Hotel, Moscow
Post War Architecture
Architecture was used to commemorate the heroes that fought in the battles of World War II.
Mamayev Kurgan Memorial
"The Motherland Calls"
The battle of Stalingrad is remembered on Mamayev Kurgan hill, where possibly one of the bloodiest battles took place. The defending Soviet army caused heavy losses to the German Army but lost almost 10,000 men in two days. The hill was conquered by the Germans and then recaptured by the Soviets. The battle lasted one week and ended with an utter German defeat. The Motherland Calls monument was placed on the hill where the battle took place and is meant to represent the fierce courage and valor of the Soviet army to defend their homeland. |
The Motherland Calls Statue
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Stalin's Death
After World War II there was a change in architecture. Stalinist style started to be seen more as an immoderate luxury that was exhausting too many resources that could otherwise be used to benefit more people, specially when there was a need for mass reconstructions.
After Stalin’s death Khrushchev took power and condemned Stalinist architecture for its “architectural excesses”. These excesses were later greatly criticized and architecture shifted to be less aesthetic and more functional.
Architecture now looked for practicality and constructivity. Resources were focused to develop and employ new technology in construction.
After Stalin’s death Khrushchev took power and condemned Stalinist architecture for its “architectural excesses”. These excesses were later greatly criticized and architecture shifted to be less aesthetic and more functional.
Architecture now looked for practicality and constructivity. Resources were focused to develop and employ new technology in construction.
Pioneer Palace
Pioneer Palace in Moscow, 1962
This building is perhaps the best example of the new course of Soviet architecture. It demonstrates the wide spectrum of possibilities of modern compositional methods, materials, and construction.
This building is perhaps the best example of the new course of Soviet architecture. It demonstrates the wide spectrum of possibilities of modern compositional methods, materials, and construction.
The Telegraph Agency Building in Moscow, 1976
Khurshchev banned any decoration in buildings and gave rise to an almost absolute form of modernism. There was a trend to simplistic designs and for new technology that would reduce construction costs. Therefore, we see more industrialized buildings on a massive scale using prefabricated elements.
Khurshchev banned any decoration in buildings and gave rise to an almost absolute form of modernism. There was a trend to simplistic designs and for new technology that would reduce construction costs. Therefore, we see more industrialized buildings on a massive scale using prefabricated elements.
The Telegraph Agency Building in Moscow
This leads to the architecture employed today in modern Russia. Buildings are designed with functionality and practicality of construction in mind. Architectural ingenuity is used for the purpose of a greater good as opposed to the impressing, lavishing architecture of the Stalinist era.
In a sense we can conclude that modern Russian architecture fits more a Communist essence, by sacrificing luxury and focusing on purpose, than in times of Communism.
In a sense we can conclude that modern Russian architecture fits more a Communist essence, by sacrificing luxury and focusing on purpose, than in times of Communism.