What is constructivism and its architectural heritage in St. Petersburg
Revolutionary upheavals today can be viewed differently, but hardly anyone would argue about the importance of this period in the life of the country and the city. The idea of creating a new society based on equality, collectivism, and progress was reflected in Soviet art of the first post-revolutionary years, one direction of which became constructivism (from Latin constructio — building, structure). This style, which emerged as a continuation of avant-garde painting movements from the early 20th century in Russia, is known primarily as an architectural style, although there are other manifestations.
For almost a decade — from the second half of the 1920s to the mid-1930s — constructivism became the dominant architectural style in the USSR. Today, the architecture of the first post-revolutionary years has become an object of study for architectural historians and a global heritage.
For almost a decade — from the second half of the 1920s to the mid-1930s — constructivism became the dominant architectural style in the USSR. Today, the architecture of the first post-revolutionary years has become an object of study for architectural historians and a global heritage.
What makes constructivism unique
First of all, constructivism is the only architectural style of the 20th century created in Russia. This avant-garde architectural movement physically embodied the new ideology, as the new person of the new world was supposed to live differently than all generations before them. New buildings were meant to change the life of society and its everyday existence.
Where it all began
Of course, any new movement in architecture does not emerge from nowhere. For constructivism, the starting point was Art Nouveau (Art Deco) and emerging industrial design. The precursors of constructivism are considered to be structures erected for World Exhibitions — the Crystal (glass) pavilion (London, 1851) and the Eiffel Tower (Paris, 1889).
Also mentioned are works by a number of modernist architects from the early 20th century who used stylistic construction techniques that were fashionable at the time: Albert Kahn, Frank Lloyd Wright, Peter Burns, Walter Gropius, Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and others. Some of these architects, by the way, worked in the USSR in the 1920s.
Albert Kahn — a reformer of industrial architecture, the "architect of Detroit," who designed almost all factories for Henry Ford's company. He created an "assembly line for architects" — a methodology for rapid conveyor-belt production of architectural and construction project documentation. He used a method for quickly creating universal construction volumes from standard typical parts — crane trusses, beams, columns, etc. He invented a special method of reinforcing concrete with steel rods.
"The exterior of a building should correspond to its purpose".
"The exterior of a building should correspond to its purpose".
Frank Lloyd Wright. The architect's style was later called organic architecture, as all his projects are integrated into the surrounding landscape. Typical techniques were flat roofs, alternating volumes, ascetic decor, and free-flowing interior spaces.
"A good building does not disturb the landscape, it makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built."
"A good building does not disturb the landscape, it makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built."
Peter Behrens is called the world's first industrial designer. He actively used frame structures, glass, concrete, and steel in his projects.
"Form follows function".
"Form follows function".
Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. His projects feature free, light and air-filled space, created through frame construction with modular sections inside and panoramic glazing.
"Less is more".
"Less is more".
Walter Gropius developed a method of linear development of residential areas to solve the problem of shortage of affordable social housing. He experimented with prefabricated concrete structures, using regular geometric facades and standardized layouts.
"Every adult should have a separate room, no matter how small it may be! Maximum light, sun, and air for all dwellings!"
"Every adult should have a separate room, no matter how small it may be! Maximum light, sun, and air for all dwellings!"
Although the direction had been established, it was Soviet architects of the 1920s who created a unified theory based on many disparate ideas and implemented it in practice, as well as gave the new style its name.
The founder of constructivism is considered to be the artist-designer Vladimir Tatlin, who proposed a project for a four-meter tower — a monument to the Third International (1919-1920). Today, a model of this spiral-inclined structure with three glass rooms can be seen in the Tretyakov Gallery.
However, the emergence of constructivism as an independent art movement dates back to 1921. Its emergence is associated with a group of architects working in Moscow under the direction of Vasily Kandinsky.
However, the emergence of constructivism as an independent art movement dates back to 1921. Its emergence is associated with a group of architects working in Moscow under the direction of Vasily Kandinsky.
The constructivism style
Constructivism existed for about a decade — the main buildings date from the mid-1920s to the mid-1930s. The style was formed during the transition from War Communism to NEP, so asceticism became the aesthetic norm of the proletariat — as a response to the ostentatious luxury of NEP businessmen. Works of art were declared items of bourgeois luxury. A great advantage was that buildings in the constructivist style could be built quickly and cheaply, and the young Soviet republic desperately needed housing and suffered from a lack of resources.
The avant-garde was inspired by technological progress and the possibilities opening up for humanity, so the authors of many buildings and planning works were often civil engineers, not architects.
Glass, concrete, and steel were widely used in the construction of buildings, employing technologies that were new for that time. Reinforced concrete and metal structures made it possible to build large-scale interior spaces. All parts of the building were constructed in accordance with the arrangement of the internal space, the form of which was determined by the purpose of the rooms.
Constructivist ideas were innovative and original — architects had never created anything like it before, as the buildings were meant to differ from everything that already existed. The structures expressed the principle "form follows function" — every detail had to be useful.
Constructivism allowed for the creation of new functional types of buildings that corresponded to the needs of the new society — houses of culture, communal houses, factory-kitchens, housing complexes, traction substations, and factory workshops.
The avant-garde was inspired by technological progress and the possibilities opening up for humanity, so the authors of many buildings and planning works were often civil engineers, not architects.
Glass, concrete, and steel were widely used in the construction of buildings, employing technologies that were new for that time. Reinforced concrete and metal structures made it possible to build large-scale interior spaces. All parts of the building were constructed in accordance with the arrangement of the internal space, the form of which was determined by the purpose of the rooms.
Constructivist ideas were innovative and original — architects had never created anything like it before, as the buildings were meant to differ from everything that already existed. The structures expressed the principle "form follows function" — every detail had to be useful.
Constructivism allowed for the creation of new functional types of buildings that corresponded to the needs of the new society — houses of culture, communal houses, factory-kitchens, housing complexes, traction substations, and factory workshops.
Constructivism was effectively banned on February 28, 1932, when a decree on the construction of the Palace of Soviets included an instruction to mandatorily use "techniques of classical architecture" in future design. After this, no constructivist projects were approved in the USSR, and already approved ones were modified and altered. Constructivism was replaced by Stalinist Empire style.
How to distinguish constructivism
First of all, by the year of construction. Since the principles of constructivism form the basis of modern construction, any building made of glass and concrete can be confused with it. However, all later structures are no longer constructivism.
Characteristic features of buildings in the constructivist style:
▪︎ geometric and simple forms (composition of cubes, spheres, pyramids);
▪︎ functionality, indicating a rational approach to construction;
▪︎ monumentality;
▪︎ monolithic nature, visual integrity of buildings;
▪︎ abundant ribbon glazing — both vertical and horizontal;
▪︎ use of pillar supports;
▪︎ materials — primarily concrete, glass, metal;
▪︎ almost complete absence of decor on the facade.
Characteristic features of buildings in the constructivist style:
▪︎ geometric and simple forms (composition of cubes, spheres, pyramids);
▪︎ functionality, indicating a rational approach to construction;
▪︎ monumentality;
▪︎ monolithic nature, visual integrity of buildings;
▪︎ abundant ribbon glazing — both vertical and horizontal;
▪︎ use of pillar supports;
▪︎ materials — primarily concrete, glass, metal;
▪︎ almost complete absence of decor on the facade.
Leningrad constructivism
In Leningrad, the formation of the style was influenced by Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism characteristic of the city. The city formed its own schools and techniques, and a constellation of talented architects worked there. Many projects of constructivist buildings were first implemented in Leningrad — for example, the Vyborg factory-kitchen, which embodied the idea of liberating women from kitchen slavery, or automated bread factories.
To date, about 80 buildings in the constructivist style have been identified in St. Petersburg. Constructivist buildings were mostly built in factory outskirts — at Narvskaya and Moskovskaya Zastava, in the Nevsky district. However, a number of buildings are located in the historic center, and some are even located near rivers and canals.
To date, about 80 buildings in the constructivist style have been identified in St. Petersburg. Constructivist buildings were mostly built in factory outskirts — at Narvskaya and Moskovskaya Zastava, in the Nevsky district. However, a number of buildings are located in the historic center, and some are even located near rivers and canals.
Palace of culture of communication workers
Address: Moika River Embankment, 101
Architects: G. A. Bosse, P. M. Grinberg, G. S. Raits
Years of construction: 1932-1939
The Palace of Culture of Communication Workers is located on the Moika Embankment, near St. Isaac's Cathedral. Until 1929, the German Reformed Church stood on this site. The temple building was rebuilt in the spirit of constructivism using existing walls: on the side of the nave, an auditorium with glazing was built, the bell tower became a tower-like pylon with stained glass windows at full height.
For a long time, the building was owned by "Russian Post," but in 2024 it was transferred to the "Sankt-Petersburg Opera" theater.
Architects: G. A. Bosse, P. M. Grinberg, G. S. Raits
Years of construction: 1932-1939
The Palace of Culture of Communication Workers is located on the Moika Embankment, near St. Isaac's Cathedral. Until 1929, the German Reformed Church stood on this site. The temple building was rebuilt in the spirit of constructivism using existing walls: on the side of the nave, an auditorium with glazing was built, the bell tower became a tower-like pylon with stained glass windows at full height.
For a long time, the building was owned by "Russian Post," but in 2024 it was transferred to the "Sankt-Petersburg Opera" theater.
Lensovet residential building on Karpovka
Address: Moika River Embankment, 13
Architects: E. A. Levinson, I. I. Fomin
Years of construction: 1931-1934
The first Lensovet house was an example of "specialists' houses" — housing for the party elite of the city. The curve of the main facade repeats the turn of the Karpovka River; on the second floor, there is a walking gallery with round reinforced concrete columns. The house had only 76 apartments of different sizes, with the number of rooms ranging from two to six, some of them two-level. Originally, a mechanical laundry, a barbershop, a store, a solarium on the roof, and rooms for service personnel were planned. The project plan even includes a pedestrian bridge across the Karpovka River.
Architects: E. A. Levinson, I. I. Fomin
Years of construction: 1931-1934
The first Lensovet house was an example of "specialists' houses" — housing for the party elite of the city. The curve of the main facade repeats the turn of the Karpovka River; on the second floor, there is a walking gallery with round reinforced concrete columns. The house had only 76 apartments of different sizes, with the number of rooms ranging from two to six, some of them two-level. Originally, a mechanical laundry, a barbershop, a store, a solarium on the roof, and rooms for service personnel were planned. The project plan even includes a pedestrian bridge across the Karpovka River.
Residential building of the Society of Former Political Prisoners, "House of Political Prisoners"
Address: Troitskaya Square, 1A / Petrovskaya Embankment, 2
Architects: G. A. Simonov, P. V. Abrosimov, A. F. Khryakov
Year of construction: 1933
The "House of Political Prisoners" is located on the bank of the Neva River, which emphasized the privileged status of its residents. The structure was conceived as a communal house, where everyday life should be shared. The house accommodated 200 apartments of different sizes without kitchens — they were replaced by electrified cabinets for heating ready-made food. The public area is highlighted at the bottom by a horizontal line of glazing. It included a dining room, living rooms, study rooms, a library, and a cinema hall for 500 seats. It had its own kindergarten, solarium, and viewing platform on the roof. Later, the house was redesigned, turning it into a residential building familiar to us.
Architects: G. A. Simonov, P. V. Abrosimov, A. F. Khryakov
Year of construction: 1933
The "House of Political Prisoners" is located on the bank of the Neva River, which emphasized the privileged status of its residents. The structure was conceived as a communal house, where everyday life should be shared. The house accommodated 200 apartments of different sizes without kitchens — they were replaced by electrified cabinets for heating ready-made food. The public area is highlighted at the bottom by a horizontal line of glazing. It included a dining room, living rooms, study rooms, a library, and a cinema hall for 500 seats. It had its own kindergarten, solarium, and viewing platform on the roof. Later, the house was redesigned, turning it into a residential building familiar to us.
River and canal voyage
Discover St. Petersburg's constructivism from the water! A two-hour boat trip along the Fontanka, Kryukov Canal, Moika and Neva rivers (18 km) offers unique views of the city's architectural masterpieces — from classical palaces to revolutionary constructivist buildings. An experienced guide will reveal the history of each structure, while you take remarkable photographs from angles inaccessible from land.
Learn more
Big House
Address: Liteyny Prospect, 4
Architects: A. I. Gegello, A. A. Ol, N. A. Trotsky
Years of construction: 1931-1932
The Big House is the unofficial name of the administrative building near the Liteyny Bridge, built for the NKVD/KGB administration. The building has gone down in history as a symbol of violence and terror during the period of repression. Today, it houses the Administration of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.
Architects: A. I. Gegello, A. A. Ol, N. A. Trotsky
Years of construction: 1931-1932
The Big House is the unofficial name of the administrative building near the Liteyny Bridge, built for the NKVD/KGB administration. The building has gone down in history as a symbol of violence and terror during the period of repression. Today, it houses the Administration of the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation for St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region.
Traction substation "Central" (No. 11)
Address: Fontanka River Embankment, 3a, lit. A
Architect: R. N. Kokhanova
Years of construction: 1931-1933
Substation No. 11 faces the Fontanka Embankment, between the circus building and the Mikhailovsky Castle. The building is composed of rectangular volumes of different heights. The facades are devoid of decor — its role is played by vertical strips of glazing. In the early 1930s, several traction substations were built, similar in spatial solution to the "Central" substation.
Traction substation No. 11 is a landmark for city residents, as after the most terrible blockade winter of 1941-1942, it was this substation that provided energy to the network and ensured the movement of the revived tram. Today, a memorial plaque is installed on the building.
Architect: R. N. Kokhanova
Years of construction: 1931-1933
Substation No. 11 faces the Fontanka Embankment, between the circus building and the Mikhailovsky Castle. The building is composed of rectangular volumes of different heights. The facades are devoid of decor — its role is played by vertical strips of glazing. In the early 1930s, several traction substations were built, similar in spatial solution to the "Central" substation.
Traction substation No. 11 is a landmark for city residents, as after the most terrible blockade winter of 1941-1942, it was this substation that provided energy to the network and ensured the movement of the revived tram. Today, a memorial plaque is installed on the building.
Power substation of the "Red Banner" knitwear factory
Address: Pionerskaya Street, 53 Letter F (actually building 57) / Korpusnaya Street, 3B
Architect: Erich Mendelsohn
Years of construction: 1925-1926
The power substation building of the "Red Banner" knitwear factory outwardly resembles the bow of a ship. According to the architect's idea, this was supposed to symbolize "a ship pulling production behind it." In 2018, the building was reconstructed and now can be visited with a guided tour.
Architect: Erich Mendelsohn
Years of construction: 1925-1926
The power substation building of the "Red Banner" knitwear factory outwardly resembles the bow of a ship. According to the architect's idea, this was supposed to symbolize "a ship pulling production behind it." In 2018, the building was reconstructed and now can be visited with a guided tour.
S.M. Kirov Palace of Culture
Address: Bolshoy Prospekt of Vasilievsky Island, 83
Architects: N. A. Trotsky, S. N. Kozak, E. A. Ilyin
Years of construction: 1930-1937
Initially, the project of the S.M. Kirov Palace of Culture, presented by architects in 1930, resembled a large ship and had all the characteristic features of constructivism — large glazed facades, a low tower with an observatory dome.
However, in the early 1930s, constructivism began to be displaced by another style — neoclassical, so the project was amended: the glazing area was reduced, monumental classical forms and blank niches were added to the facade, where it was planned to place bas-reliefs dedicated to socialist construction. Special attention was paid to the interiors. The Palace of Culture was completed in 1937.
Architects: N. A. Trotsky, S. N. Kozak, E. A. Ilyin
Years of construction: 1930-1937
Initially, the project of the S.M. Kirov Palace of Culture, presented by architects in 1930, resembled a large ship and had all the characteristic features of constructivism — large glazed facades, a low tower with an observatory dome.
However, in the early 1930s, constructivism began to be displaced by another style — neoclassical, so the project was amended: the glazing area was reduced, monumental classical forms and blank niches were added to the facade, where it was planned to place bas-reliefs dedicated to socialist construction. Special attention was paid to the interiors. The Palace of Culture was completed in 1937.
Water tower of the "Red Nailer" factory
Address: 25th Line of Vasilievsky Island, 6, building 1
Architect: Y. G. Chernikhov
Years of construction: 1930-1931
On the 25th Line of Vasilievsky Island and the now filled-in Oil Canal was the "Red Nailer" steel rolling plant. The water tower, adjacent to its rope workshop, became one of the most spectacular and recognizable monuments of Leningrad constructivism.
Today, the tower houses a new building of HSE-St. Petersburg and an architecture museum dedicated to Yakov Chernikhov.
Architect: Y. G. Chernikhov
Years of construction: 1930-1931
On the 25th Line of Vasilievsky Island and the now filled-in Oil Canal was the "Red Nailer" steel rolling plant. The water tower, adjacent to its rope workshop, became one of the most spectacular and recognizable monuments of Leningrad constructivism.
Today, the tower houses a new building of HSE-St. Petersburg and an architecture museum dedicated to Yakov Chernikhov.
Levashovsky and Kushelevsky bread factories
Address: Barochnaya Street, 4a, Polytechnicheskaya Street, 11
Architect: G. P. Marsakov
Years of construction: 1930-1933
Mechanized bread factories — experimental enterprises with automated production — were built according to the design of engineer G. P. Marsakov. The round shape of the structures is related to the vertical-ring cycle of bread preparation, which was organized on the principle of a conveyor and went along a circular automated line from top to bottom. In the center was a rotating round oven, and from the upper floors, bread was delivered to the storage areas and shipping zone. The design capacity of the automatic bread factory was 297 tons per day. Both bread factories operated throughout the entire blockade of Leningrad, as told by memorial plaques installed on both bread factories.
Today, the Kushelevsky bread factory continues to work for its intended purpose and is under the management of JSC "Karavay," while the Levashevsky bread factory was transformed into a cultural and business space in 2023.
Architect: G. P. Marsakov
Years of construction: 1930-1933
Mechanized bread factories — experimental enterprises with automated production — were built according to the design of engineer G. P. Marsakov. The round shape of the structures is related to the vertical-ring cycle of bread preparation, which was organized on the principle of a conveyor and went along a circular automated line from top to bottom. In the center was a rotating round oven, and from the upper floors, bread was delivered to the storage areas and shipping zone. The design capacity of the automatic bread factory was 297 tons per day. Both bread factories operated throughout the entire blockade of Leningrad, as told by memorial plaques installed on both bread factories.
Today, the Kushelevsky bread factory continues to work for its intended purpose and is under the management of JSC "Karavay," while the Levashevsky bread factory was transformed into a cultural and business space in 2023.
Unfortunately, against the background of the historical buildings of St. Petersburg, constructivism is not appreciated by everyone as cultural heritage. Many buildings from the 1920s-1930s suffer from redevelopment and poor-quality repairs that do not take into account the historical features of the structures and call into question the possibility of granting them protected status. Most of the buildings are in unsatisfactory, essentially distressed condition, as they were not built from the best construction materials. The architectural avant-garde, recognized worldwide, does not yet represent sufficient value for the city authorities.
However, the relevance of constructivism is difficult to overestimate, as its principles formed the basis of modern architecture. A constellation of talented architects grew up on the projects of constructivists, including unrealized ones. The creators of the Sea Terminal, the "St. Petersburg" hotel, and many other buildings from the 1960s-1980s were inspired by constructivism.
By and large, the whole world uses exclusively the principles of constructivism — fundamentally new techniques have not yet been invented. And if then the ideas of innovative architects were ahead of existing technologies, today we have different possibilities and materials.
Today, in the era of automation, a new generation of architects is rethinking the social and functional content of constructivist buildings — communal houses, factory-kitchens, and others. We are again on the threshold of a new industrial revolution, which will again change the world and, possibly, make us look at the innovative ideas of the idealists of the 1920s in a new way.
However, the relevance of constructivism is difficult to overestimate, as its principles formed the basis of modern architecture. A constellation of talented architects grew up on the projects of constructivists, including unrealized ones. The creators of the Sea Terminal, the "St. Petersburg" hotel, and many other buildings from the 1960s-1980s were inspired by constructivism.
By and large, the whole world uses exclusively the principles of constructivism — fundamentally new techniques have not yet been invented. And if then the ideas of innovative architects were ahead of existing technologies, today we have different possibilities and materials.
Today, in the era of automation, a new generation of architects is rethinking the social and functional content of constructivist buildings — communal houses, factory-kitchens, and others. We are again on the threshold of a new industrial revolution, which will again change the world and, possibly, make us look at the innovative ideas of the idealists of the 1920s in a new way.
Natalia Novikova
- the author of the article
I love interesting riddles and intricate stories that allow me to feel the atmosphere of the past and see the world as it will never be again.
Voyages in St. Petersburg
Discover St. Petersburg from the water and create unforgettable memories with a glass of your favorite wine. From hour-long canal cruises to grand journeys to Peterhof, Kronstadt, and Oreshek Fortress — we have voyages for every taste with the option of wine and snack delivery on board.
Learn more
