Melnikov : An Investigation Through Architectural Models – Edited by Pavel Kuznetsov, Marianne Burkhalter, Christian Sumi
A richly illustrated exploration of the work of Konstantin Melnikov, one of the most original and influential figures of the Soviet avant-garde and twentieth-century modern architecture.
The architecture of the Soviet Union during the 1920s and 1930s played a pivotal role in the development of modernism, and few architects embodied its experimental spirit more fully than Konstantin Melnikov (1890–1974). Renowned for his bold forms, innovative structures, and visionary approach to design, Melnikov produced some of the most distinctive buildings of the modern movement. Yet following the ideological shifts of the Stalin era, his unconventional architectural language fell out of favour, and his work remained largely overlooked for decades.
This publication brings together a remarkable collection of architectural models of both Melnikov's realised and unbuilt projects, created by students of the Accademia di Architettura di Mendrisio under the direction of Pavel Kuznetsov. Accompanied by photographs, drawings, and project documentation, the models provide a unique insight into the architect's creative process and the breadth of his visionary work.
An accompanying essay by Kuznetsov situates Melnikov within the broader context of Russian modernism, examining his contribution to twentieth-century architectural thought and his enduring influence on architects and designers worldwide.
Combining architectural scholarship, model-making, and visual analysis, this volume offers a fresh perspective on one of modernism's most inventive architects. Essential reading for anyone interested in Soviet architecture, the avant-garde, architectural representation, and the history of modern design.
Authors: Pavel Kuznetsov, Marianne Burkhalter, Christian Sumi
Publisher: Lars Muller Publishers
Format: Paperback
Pages: 160
ISBN: 9783037788035
Publication date: December 2025