Avant-Garde Architecture: Soviet Constructivism and Its Ideologies

This lecture delves into the evolution of avant-garde architecture in Soviet Russia, particularly focusing on the constructivist movement from 1917 to 1930. The instructor begins by contextualizing the political landscape, highlighting the impact of the Bolshevik Revolution and the subsequent establishment of a socialist state. The discussion emphasizes the dual aspirations of avant-garde artists: embracing the harsh realities of industrial life while seeking autonomy in form. Key figures such as Vladimir Tatlin and Viktor Shklovsky are introduced, illustrating their contributions to the avant-garde ideology. The lecture further explores the influence of art historians like Heinrich Wolfflin and August Schmarsow on Russian artists, emphasizing the shift towards a formal understanding of art and architecture. The instructor contrasts the rationalist approach of the ASNOVA group with the more socially engaged constructivist movement, led by figures like Alexander Rodchenko. The lecture culminates in a discussion of the OSA group’s focus on functional architecture and housing typologies, reflecting the broader social and political reforms of the time.