Architecture of
Totalitarian Regimes
of the XX Century
Part 3 - The USSR
Dossier
Maria Dimitrova Dimitrova Architectural Institute of Prague
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
What is ’totalitarian architecture’ ? 08
The USSR
10
Overview
Early Soviet Architecture (1917-1930s)
Lenin's Mausoleum, 1929
Narkomfin Building, 1930
Melnikov House, 1929
Gosplan Garage (Narkomzem Garage), 1937
Stalinist Architecture (1930s-1950s):
Place of Soviets
Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre
Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1953
Khrushchyovka (1950s-1960s):
Late Soviet Period (1970s-1980s):
House of Soviets in Kaliningrad, 1970
Bolshoy Dom in Saint Petersburg, 1979
Lenin's Mausoleum Redesign, 1967
The Fyodor Dostoevsky Theater of Dramatic Art, 1987
Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy , VDNKh, 1935
Shukhov Tower Restoration,1980
The Motherland Calls
Fascist Italy
Nazi Germany
Eastern bloc
Other places
Bibliography
, Introduction
"Totalitarian architecture" refers to the architectural style and urban planning associated with totalitarian
regimes or authoritarian governments. It is characterized by monumental and imposing structures that
often serve to express the power, authority, and ideology of the ruling regime. This type of architecture
is typically grandiose, symmetrical, and designed to inspire awe and obedience.
However,
Many professionals say totalitarian architecture cannot be considered as an architecture school or a
particular style, thus glossary of terminology and specific architectural elements is impossible to be made.
It is a term collecting all architectural tendencies happening during a certain historical period. Examples of
totalitarian architecture can be found in various historical periods and regions. Notable instances include
the grandiose buildings commissioned by leaders such as Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany, Joseph Stalin in
the Soviet Union, and Benito Mussolini in fascist Italy.
Rise and Fall of Totalitarian Regimes XX Century
Mar 30, 1917 Apr 5, 1920 Oct 31, 1922 Jul 20, 1935 Oct 10, 1945
Lenin and the Hitler Joins Mussolini as USSR as End of Nazi
Bolshekivs NSDAP Prime Minister Totalitarian state Germany
Jul 13, 1919 Aug 14, 1921 Jan 30, 1933 Jul 25, 1943 Dec 26, 1991
Mussolini Lenin Builds a Hitler as End of Italian Fall of the Soviet
Creates the Communist State German Fascism Union
Fascist Party chancellor
Totalitarian regime in Germany Totalitarian regime in Russia/USSR Totalitarian regime in Italy
Totalitarian architecture is often criticized for its association with oppressive regimes and the use of
monumental structures to manipulate and control the public perception. However, it also serves as a
historical and cultural reflection of the political ideologies and aspirations of the time.
Despite the widely known negative side of the regimes, some brought great improvements in the public
such as public transport networks, urban improvements, social health and etc.
, The USSR
Overview
The architecture of the Soviet Union evolved over several decades, reflecting the changing political, social,
and economic conditions of the country. The architectural styles and principles in the USSR were strongly
influenced by the ideological tenets of communism, as well as practical considerations related to mass
housing, industrialization, and monumental public buildings.
Here are some key features and periods in Soviet architecture:
Early Soviet Architecture (1917-1930s)
Constructivism: In the early years of the Soviet Union, there was a brief period of experimentation
with avant-garde and Constructivist architecture. This style emphasized functionalism, geometric shapes,
and a rejection of traditional ornamentation. Famous architects associated with Constructivism include
Vladimir Tatlin and El Lissitzky.
Tatlin’s Tower El Lissitzky’s Horizontal Skyscraper WB2
Communal Housing: The early Soviet period also saw the development of communal housing projects,
reflecting the socialist idea of communal living. Communal apartments, where multiple families shared
facilities, became common.
Kommunalka are apartments in which several unrelated persons or families live in isolated living rooms
and share common areas such a kitchen, shower, and toilet.
Typical Kommunalka apartment building Residents each have their own stove in the
in the city center, St. Petersburg, Russia shared kitchen
Totalitarian Regimes
of the XX Century
Part 3 - The USSR
Dossier
Maria Dimitrova Dimitrova Architectural Institute of Prague
, TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
What is ’totalitarian architecture’ ? 08
The USSR
10
Overview
Early Soviet Architecture (1917-1930s)
Lenin's Mausoleum, 1929
Narkomfin Building, 1930
Melnikov House, 1929
Gosplan Garage (Narkomzem Garage), 1937
Stalinist Architecture (1930s-1950s):
Place of Soviets
Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre
Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1953
Khrushchyovka (1950s-1960s):
Late Soviet Period (1970s-1980s):
House of Soviets in Kaliningrad, 1970
Bolshoy Dom in Saint Petersburg, 1979
Lenin's Mausoleum Redesign, 1967
The Fyodor Dostoevsky Theater of Dramatic Art, 1987
Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy , VDNKh, 1935
Shukhov Tower Restoration,1980
The Motherland Calls
Fascist Italy
Nazi Germany
Eastern bloc
Other places
Bibliography
, Introduction
"Totalitarian architecture" refers to the architectural style and urban planning associated with totalitarian
regimes or authoritarian governments. It is characterized by monumental and imposing structures that
often serve to express the power, authority, and ideology of the ruling regime. This type of architecture
is typically grandiose, symmetrical, and designed to inspire awe and obedience.
However,
Many professionals say totalitarian architecture cannot be considered as an architecture school or a
particular style, thus glossary of terminology and specific architectural elements is impossible to be made.
It is a term collecting all architectural tendencies happening during a certain historical period. Examples of
totalitarian architecture can be found in various historical periods and regions. Notable instances include
the grandiose buildings commissioned by leaders such as Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany, Joseph Stalin in
the Soviet Union, and Benito Mussolini in fascist Italy.
Rise and Fall of Totalitarian Regimes XX Century
Mar 30, 1917 Apr 5, 1920 Oct 31, 1922 Jul 20, 1935 Oct 10, 1945
Lenin and the Hitler Joins Mussolini as USSR as End of Nazi
Bolshekivs NSDAP Prime Minister Totalitarian state Germany
Jul 13, 1919 Aug 14, 1921 Jan 30, 1933 Jul 25, 1943 Dec 26, 1991
Mussolini Lenin Builds a Hitler as End of Italian Fall of the Soviet
Creates the Communist State German Fascism Union
Fascist Party chancellor
Totalitarian regime in Germany Totalitarian regime in Russia/USSR Totalitarian regime in Italy
Totalitarian architecture is often criticized for its association with oppressive regimes and the use of
monumental structures to manipulate and control the public perception. However, it also serves as a
historical and cultural reflection of the political ideologies and aspirations of the time.
Despite the widely known negative side of the regimes, some brought great improvements in the public
such as public transport networks, urban improvements, social health and etc.
, The USSR
Overview
The architecture of the Soviet Union evolved over several decades, reflecting the changing political, social,
and economic conditions of the country. The architectural styles and principles in the USSR were strongly
influenced by the ideological tenets of communism, as well as practical considerations related to mass
housing, industrialization, and monumental public buildings.
Here are some key features and periods in Soviet architecture:
Early Soviet Architecture (1917-1930s)
Constructivism: In the early years of the Soviet Union, there was a brief period of experimentation
with avant-garde and Constructivist architecture. This style emphasized functionalism, geometric shapes,
and a rejection of traditional ornamentation. Famous architects associated with Constructivism include
Vladimir Tatlin and El Lissitzky.
Tatlin’s Tower El Lissitzky’s Horizontal Skyscraper WB2
Communal Housing: The early Soviet period also saw the development of communal housing projects,
reflecting the socialist idea of communal living. Communal apartments, where multiple families shared
facilities, became common.
Kommunalka are apartments in which several unrelated persons or families live in isolated living rooms
and share common areas such a kitchen, shower, and toilet.
Typical Kommunalka apartment building Residents each have their own stove in the
in the city center, St. Petersburg, Russia shared kitchen
