Red Architect Designs on Display

Until Feb. 26, the Shchusev Museum of Architecture is hosting the exhibit “Architect of Power: 120^th Anniversary of Boris Iofan’s Birth,” in honor of his contribution to Soviet design.  The Soviet architect is famed for his work mainly in the 1930’s, although his career lasted well into the second half of the 20^th century.

Iofan is forever famous for his dreamed but not realized neoclassical designs for the Palace of the Soviets.  The building was going to have a pavilion and a giant tower of Lenin, which would have shadowed the Statue of Liberty in comparison.  But in 1941, Germany invaded Russia and construction came to an abrupt halt.

The exhibition showcases Iofan’s designs for the Palase of Soviets with sketches, models, and photographs.  Also at the exhibit are the architects lesser-known designs and works from the 1920’s and 60’s though the 70’s.

Iofan caught the eye of Stalin after his 1929 completion of Barvikha Sanitorium for Party Elite.  Other notable works include the House on Embankment, a block wide structure that contained 505 apartments, two theaters and a retail store as well as The Soviet Pavillion at the 1937 World’s Fair.

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Source: The Moscow News