Russian Architecture Reading List

The internet is a big, scary place.  In one of my adventures through it's windy corridors, I came upon an article about Soviet Brutalist architecture.  Here's one of my secrets: I love Brutalism.  Those who know me might find this a little bit odd, but I find it beautifully fascinating.

Roads Ministry Building, Georgia

The architecture I saw sent my head spinning.  Sure, I'd studied Brutalist architecture, at least a little, in my history theory courses.  But, the structures built in this far corner of our globe seemed quite different.   This is what I'm left with: questions of what and why it seems so different, and a thirst to see more brutalist beauties! 

I've now got a long list of architecture reading ahead of me, included but not limited to:

1. Blueprints and Blood: The Stalinization of Soviet Architecture 1917-1937, Hugh D. Hudson

2. CCCP: Cosmic Communist Constructions Photographed, Frederic Chaubin

3. Soviet Modernism 1955-1991/Unknown History, Ritter, Shapiro-Obermair, Steiner, & Wachter
4. Reshaping Rusian Architecture: Western Technology, Utopian Dreams, William C. Brumfield 

The drawings and photographs of these works are simply phenomenal, which we could learn a lot from.

 

 

 Industrial Miniatures by Iakov Chernikhov

Social Media Hiatus

In an attempt to declutter and destress my life a bit, I'm taking a hiatus from social media; Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and trash TV.  Getting rid of all of it to refocus on my life, school, family, and hobbies (including blogging!)

image from my drawing class; playing with pastels!

I think this is something that deserves my time and focus, as opposed to mindlessly browsing the internet for no real substance.  I miss the depth of reality that comes from more intimate ventures in to life (be it relationships, studies, or hobbies) and the power it has on thinking.

I miss focus.  I miss living! So, time for a break from the electronic clutter to reorient myself.

Until next time!
~Joy