Modern Soviet Architecture and Design

This study guide provides a concise overview of the artistic styles and architectural trends during the early years of Soviet rule, as well as the architectural development in the RSFSR (Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic) and the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) throughout much of the 20th century, from 1917 to 1991. This period encompasses Visionary Architecture, Constructivism, the decline of the Russian Avant-Garde, the emergence of the Stalinist Empire style, and the rise of New Modernism. The guide covers both volumetric design and urban planning concepts, proposals, and trends. The theoretical content is fully illustrated with drawings by 4th-year students. The cover features portraits of notable architects from the Soviet era.

This manual is intended for full-time students of the Faculty of Architecture, in particular, in the following areas: 07.03.01 ’’Architecture”, 07.03.02 ’’Restoration and Reconstruction of Architectural Heritage” and 07.03.03 ’’Design of the Architectural Environment”. It will also be of interest to anyone interested in the history of architecture of the Soviet Union.This manual is a translated and corrected text of the manual ’’Modern Domestic Architecture and Design” published in 2011.

The author thanks A.A. Abrosimova, Ju.V. Lapina, V.U. Tereshonok, V.A. Chuprynin and S.V. Mulenok, as well as the Department of Foreign Languages of TSUAB, for the translation and preparation of the manual.