Soviet constructivism

[jparchitectus]

Soviet constructivism, an artistic and architectural movement within the overall modernist movement of the early 20th century, was seen by its adherents as a method, not a style. However, constructivist buildings tended to share certain stylistic tendencies: sweeping lines, a distinctive geometry, cylindrical stairwells, "ribbon windows" and plenty of glass, as well as a general simplicity and an absence of frivolous decorative touches. Lightness and transparency, not the first qualities to spring to mind when one thinks of Russia, were prized.

Sadly, many of Moscow's constructivist treasures have already been sharply altered, are currently undergoing ill-advised "reconstruction" or are simply falling into ever-greater disrepair, and are thus threatened with total destruction. A few are relatively well-known, but the majority are scattered throughout the city, unnoticed and unsung. This guide, though not comprehensive, points toward a few lesser-known structures.