Residential districts of soviet modernism: history and prospects for further development

Abstract

Soviet modernism is one of the branches of the international style of modernist architecture. Despite the fact that Soviet modernism created a number of unique buildings, for most people this period is associated with immense areas of faceless residential districts. This paper outlines the reasons for the emergence of modernism in the USSR during the 1950s, identifies the urban and architectural features of this period and analyses the positive and negative characteristics of Soviet prefabricated housing blocks in relation to the current expectations of living conditions. Special attention is given to the future of these housing districts, which are currently subjected to sharp criticism from both the professional community and local residents. The research conducted for this paper shows that it is possible to solve the problem without resorting to widespread demolition. Well-conceived renovation or remodelling can make the old housing blocks modern and comfortable, and also help to achieve visual variety that is sorely lacking.