The House of Utopia. Tour to the House of Narkomfin (Moscow)

June 10 | 17:00 | 25 Novinskiy blvd. | from 1200 rubles

Tour by ARCHIGEEK:

A world-famous piece of the Soviet avant garde architecture and one of the most important appartment houses of the 20th century. It integrates constructivist design with a commune house, an important part of any socialist utopia. Our expert guides will show you the communal block, living cell type F with restored color scheme, and you’ll even visit the roof of the building to enjoy a great view of Moscow.

At the end of the 1920s, Soviet architects were working hard to organize a new socialist housing lifestyle. One of the leaders of constructivism architecture, Moisei Ginzburg, invented this transitional housing type with its innovative living spaces. Ginzburg was able to save on cost without sacrificing space.

In these compact two-level cells, there is minimal living space, but a person could define his or her own private area. The house had well-developed infrastructure, complete with a canteen, gym, and club. It was supposed to be transitional, from individual housing to communal houses.

Narkomfin’s building architecture and layout, as well as its rich history, made it famous worldwide! On our House of Utopia tour, you will:

• Learn about Soviet avant garde and constructivist architecture
• Understand the history of Soviet communal houses and transitional houses
• Examine one of the greatest inventions of Soviet avant garde architecture: the economic two-level living cell F
• Learn about the present-day status of the house, and plans for its reconstruction

Duration: 1.5 hours
Meeting Point: At the entrance to the House of Narkomfin (25 Novinskiy blvd.), next to the bike parking

archigeek.ru/narkomfin