Sanford Hall room 212 Lecture Yuri Savel'ev, visiting professor from the Russian Academy of the Arts, will present a lecture on Stalinist Architecture. A little background on Stalinist Architecture, from http://www.nyc-architecture.com/SCC/SCC030a.htm 'Stalinist Architecture' is the term typically applied to the years between 1933 (the date of the final competition to design the Palace of the Soviets) and 1955 (The Academy of Architecture was abolished). In the 1930's and 1940's architecture represents a return to conservatism. Such an approach was not occurring solely under Stalin in Russia. In Germany, under Hitler, architecture had taken a similar turn. As a leader, Stalin created and sustained a a system of repression. Every element of society was under control of the state. Architects ( though not as dramatically as artists and writers) were subjected to such control. Stalin created an intense construction program. To implement his plans, Stalin used prisoners for labor. Because he had total control, many of Stalin's personal tastes became the law. This is evident in may surviving architectural plans. Stalin selected his architects. The architects were considered to be among the elite of society. They lived in lavishly furnished apartment, and built priceless personal libraries, all during a time of poverty and suffering throughout Russia. It was Stalin's goal to "wipe clean the slate of the past...and rebuild the world from top to bottom." Architecture under Stalin reflected several different styles including Neo- Renaissance, classicism, and constructivism. Modernism had been defeated. In keeping with Stalin's total control, and personal taste, Stalin formed a building committee comprised of many of his closest collaborators. As Stalin implemented collectivism, he realized it was necessary to build up the cities. In doing so, he desired to make cities made of "super buildings".
