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Soviet Brutalism is the architectural, visual and cultural style that was prevalent in the Soviet Union and its sphere of influence during the 20th century.
One of the most distinctive elements of this aesthetic is the blocky, geometric architecture that can be found in cities and towns throughout the region. Soviet-style of architecture was particularly prevalent in governmental buildings, which were often designed in a futuristic, Stalinist style with grandiose facades and elaborate ornamentation meant to symbolize the power and authority of the Soviet state. The most iconic building type was the "khrushchevka", also known by its English nickname "commieblock", which was named for the Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev who desired a low-cost and quickly built residential building. Soviet architects designed the khrushchevka as a prefabricated concrete-paneled (or sometimes brick) five-story building that was cheap and quick to produce, but came at the downside of being dull and flat. Despite being less iconic, the much taller "brezhnevka" that followed the khrushchevka is actually the building design more commonly seen in the aesthetic. It was named for Leonid Brezhnev who succeeded Khrushchev as General Secretary, and it was usually built to be between nine to seventeen stories tall.
In addition to its architecture, the Soviet aesthetic can also be seen in the design of electronic equipment and appliances produced during this time. These products, which are known for their durability and simple, utilitarian design, have gained a cult following among those who appreciate their functionality and nostalgia for the Soviet era.
Overall, the Soviet aesthetic is valued for its connection to a specific time and place in history and its simplicity and functionality. It continues to hold a certain level of nostalgia and fascination for many people, particularly those who grew up in countries that were part of the Soviet Union or under its influence. The bold, geometric lines and futuristic design of Soviet governmental buildings are a particularly iconic aspect of this aesthetic and are still admired by many for their grandeur and symbolism.
History[]
The blocky and futuristic architecture of the Soviet Union, also known as Stalinist architecture or Soviet Modernist architecture, emerged in the 1930s and became the dominant style in the Soviet Union until the 1950s. It was characterized by grandiose buildings with large, imposing facades and distinctive features such as hammer and sickle symbols, stars, and other socialist symbols. This style was often associated with the Stalinist regime and its emphasis on grandeur and propaganda.
Some of the most famous examples of this style include the Moscow State University and the building on Marszałkowska Street in Śródmieście Północne, Warsaw, Poland. It was constructed between 1965 and 1972. Despite its initial popularity, the blocky and futuristic style fell out of favor in the 1960s and 1970s as the Soviet Union began to shift towards a more pragmatic and functionalist approach to architecture. Today, these buildings are often seen as symbols of the Soviet Union's history and its tumultuous relationship with the rest of the world.
Visual[]
- Khrushchevka and other Soviet building designs
- War-torn streets
- Damaged buildings
- Light fog
- Powerplants
- Wastelands
- Lifelessness
- Dead trees
- Empty military camps, Gulags, and prison camps
- Undone construction sites
- Toxic barrels
- Corpses
- Guns
Gallery[]
