Konstantin Melnikov: Architect of the Impossible
People
Course director
Description
One of the most controversial and iconic figures in the 20th century architecture, Konstantin Melnikov (1890-1974), ‘solo architect in a mass society’, is the focus of the course. It aims to provide a critical perspective on the Soviet avant-garde architecture of the 1920s and draw lessons for today from Melnikov's built and never implemented projects, from the sensational pavilion for the I’Exposition Internationale in Paris (1925) and the architect's idiosyncratic cylindrical house-studio (1927-29) to garages, worker clubs and numerous visionary projects.
A detailed analysis of several case-studies will provide participants with a ‘total immersion’ in the Melnikov universe. In addition to functional typology, spatial composition and specific aspects of his architecture (structures, materials, colors, sound, light, heating etc.), the course deals with his 'architecture beyond architecture' and philosophical, technological and artistic ideas behind it.
The course is based on both open sources and new findings from the architect's archive, which has been the subject of the lecturer's research over the last eight years.
Much attention is given to presenting Melnikov’s personality and interpretation of his works and tragic life in the historical and political context of his era, his contemporaries and the architectural competitions of the epoch.
Objectives
It aims to provide a critical perspective on the Soviet avant-garde architecture of the 1920s and draw lessons for today from Melnikov's built and never implemented projects, from the sensational pavilion for the I’Exposition Internationale in Paris (1925) and the architect's idiosyncratic cylindrical house-studio (1927-29) to garages, worker clubs and numerous visionary projects.
Teaching mode
In presence
Learning methods
A detailed analysis of several case-studies will provide participants with a ‘total immersion’ in the Melnikov universe. In addition to functional typology, spatial composition and specific aspects of his architecture (structures, materials, colors, sound, light, heating etc.), the course deals with his 'architecture beyond architecture' and philosophical, technological and artistic ideas behind it.
Examination information
Examination mode: paper or, optionally, a reconstruction model of one of the architect's selected projects with support and advice from the lecturer.
Bibliography
- Baldeweg J. N., Jaque A. Konstantin Melnikov: aparcamiento para 1000 autos. 2a variante. París, 1925. Madrid: Rueda, 2004.
- Barth F. Konstantin Mel'nikov e la sua casa. Milano : Jaca Book, 2017.
- Barth F. Konstantin Melnikov and his house. Stuttgart; London: Edition Axel Menges, 2015;
- Cooke, Catherine. Russian avant-garde: theories of art, architecture and the city. London: Academy Editions, 1995.
- Dom Mel'nikova : arkhitekturnoye issledovaniye. [Melnikov House: Architecture study] Kuznetsov P. et al. Ekaterinburg : TATLIN 2022
- Fosso M., Mačel O., Meriggi M. (eds.) Konstantin S. Mel’nikov e la costruzione di Mosca. Milano: Skira, 1999
- Kuznetsov P. The Melnikov House: Icon of the Avant-Garde, Family Home, Architecture Museum. Berlin: DOM publishers, 2017
- Melnikoff : Exhibition catalogue 05.10.2022 - 23.01.2023. Moskva : Musey arkhitektury imeni A. V. Schuseva, 2022
- Mullagildin R. (ed.) Architecture of Konstantin Melnikov: 1920s–1930s. Tokyo: Toto Shupan, 2002
- Pallasmaa J., Gozak A. The Melnikov House. Moscow (1927–1929). London: Academy Editions, 1996.
- Starr S. F. Il padiglione di Melnikov a Parigi. 1925. Roma: Officina Edizioni, 1979.
- Starr S. F. K. Melʹnikov. Le pavillon soviétique. Paris 1925 / Présentation de J. L. Cohen. [S.l.]: L'Equerre, 1981.
- Starr S. F. Melnikov: Solo Architect in a Mass Society. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press, 1978.
Education
- Master in Storia e teoria dell’arte e dell’architettura (120 ECTS), Lecture ex cathedra, Elective course, Elective, 1st year (3.0 ECTS)
- Master of Science in Architecture, Lecture ex cathedra, Corso storico-umanistico, 1st year
