Introduction

Welcome to Moscow, everybody! Today we will be checking out five Constructivist architectural sites scattered throughout the city. Our bus will be traveling first to the Tretyakov Gallery, then to the Mostorg Department Store, following with the old Narkomfin Building, then heading to the Zuev Workers’ Club, and finally a little trek to the Rusakov Workers’ Club.

 

 

All of these sites were designed by their own unique architect who was influenced by the Constructivist movement at the time. However, no site is exactly the same, as there were many variations within Constructivist architecture. Two styles that we will be looking at in depth through our tour are the ASNOVA and OSA constructivist styles.

But first, what is Constructivism, and how is it different from other Russian/Soviet architecture? Constructivism was brought to Russia in 1913, when Vladimir Tatlin brought influences of Braque and Picasso from Paris to Russia after his trip. Tatlin began to produce art for social purposes, while avoiding reference to specific subjects and themes. Constructivist art was picked up by groups of artists in Moscow, who did not believe in abstract ideas, and instead tried to link art with tangible ideas and modern creations. The mostly young and Proletarian friendly adherents made Constructivist art that was “very geometric… usually experimental… [and] rarely emotional.” 1

Moreover, Constructivism placed an emphasis on an analysis and use of modern materials, and it hoped that these materials could be put to use in mass production and in ultimately crafting a better Communist society. In true Communist fashion, the artistic trend stressed practicality in its use of objects and materials, and held that objects should not be used to express beauty. In other words, materials should be employed for their capacities and in order to demonstrate their use, instead of their aesthetic values. The style's success was due in much part to Russia’s yearning to experience modern life, and to democratize and modernize into a functioning Communist state after the revolution. 2

The two forms of Constructivist architecture that we will look at today are ASNOVA and OSA, or the “Association of New Architects” style and the “Organization of Contemporary Architects,” which both came out of the Vkhutemas school. While ASNOVA was styled more for the viewers’ emotions, OSA was concerned more with practicality and function. 

In all, Constructivism was a symbol of “The Great Utopia” vision of Russia, and a trend towards a more industrially modern state. All of the associated structures following Constructivist style were intended to exemplify a new Russia through architecture; a Russia of industrial and technological advancement, and modernity in accordance with the government's drive for the development of a perfect communist state. First, we will look at the man who started it all, Tatlin, and his tower at the Tretyakov Gallery. 3

 

1. "Constructivism - UPM." Constructivism. Universidad Politécnica De Madrid, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. http://www.tfo.upm.es/docencia/ArtDeco/constructivismo.htm.

2. Ng, Tracee. "Constructivism Movement, Artists and Major Works | The Art ..." Constructivism. The Art Story, 2012. Web. 23 Oct. 2016. http://www.theartstory.org/movement-constructivism.htm.

3. Cracraft, James, and Daniel B. Rowland. Architectures of Russian Identity: 1500 to the Present. Ithaca: Cornell UP, 2003. Print. P. 135.