Socialist Realist Architecture

Palace of the Soviets

Socialist realist architecture still remains to be an interesting dimension of the Soviet Union. It is interesting to consider under different regimes the change in architecture and style dramatically differ. One can study the differences between Fascist, Capitalist, and Socialist Realist architecture and how their regime effects the architecture of a city.

There are differences from Nazi Fascist architecture (which many are easily familiar with) from American architecture of the same time period. Just as their is with Socialist Realist architecture. Most people don’t draw the connection to different government regimes and their impact on the buildings we see everyday in our cities. However, architecture has and continues to be a tool used by those who hold power to often subconsciously imprint ideas into their people. There is something to be said about the giant Palace of the Soviets. Clearly it is an intimidating building and with its large scale grandiose appearance topped with statue of Lenin, which rubs off on the common citizen. If I were to see that I would assume my country was powerful, strong, and that Lenin was the ultimate authority over my state. People may not realize they are even thinking things to that extent but this is how every regimes architecture plays in to the subconscious of its followers.

Catherine Cooke writes in Socialist Realist architecture: theory and practice, the four characteristics of Socialist Realism which she states are (p. 86-88) :

1) Socialist Realism is a method of artistic reflection and creative work

2) The ideologic progressivism comparing past with present

3) Artists function in society and their “leading”

4) Characteristic of each image to transmit concrete and specific sentiments

These characteristics are seemingly abstract. But, when examining soviet architecture in context to Cooke’s characteristics they become quite evident. There also is an obvious contrast between Socialist Realism with the avant-garde modernism. The avant-garde modernism was internationalist and was investigating formalist structures.

The Socialist Realist architecture is fascinating to examine and to examine its effects on society. Here is a video with many examples of the type of Socialist Realist architecture and art that came out of this period.

Sources: file:///Users/Taylor/Downloads/Cooke_Socialist%20Realist%20Architecture.pdf