The Circus Buildings of the Former USSR: An Exceptional Landmark of International Modernism

Abstract

ABSTRACT Modern heritage in former socialist countries is a distinguished and valuable asset which is today under the threat of loss. After the collapse of the Soviet Union and the following economic crisis, it has been left in the shadow, despite its great diversity and availability in this area of the world. Nevertheless, the popularity and appreciation of modern architecture around the world is continuously increasing. To support the protection and promotion of modern architecture, UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ICOMOS and DOCOMOMO in 2001 launched the Programme on Modern Heritage a joint-programme for the identification, documentation and promotion of the built heritage of the 19th and 20th centuries. It is an exceptional opportunity for the former socialist countries to reconsider and capitalise on the remarkable pieces of modern architecture inherited from the second half of the 20th century. This paper explores ways of approaching the modern architectural heritage of Eastern Europe and Asia, through the example of a coordinated political programme which led to the construction of circus buildings in the former socialist countries. Based on the case study of the Chișinău State Circus, this paper proposes future steps for conservation and refunctioning according to the principles of sustainable development.