Melnikov: An Investigation Through Architectural Models

The architecture of the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 1930s was integral to shaping 20th century modernism. Russian architect Konstantin Melnikov (1890-1974) was a key figure of this movement, with many of his visionary designs becoming icons of modernism. Because of his resistance to Stalinist architectural standards, his works were largely forgotten for several decades. This publication presents models of Melnikov's built and unbuilt works, created under the direction of Pavel Kuznetsov by the students of the Accademia di architettura di Mendrisio. Accompanied by photographs, sketches, project descriptions and an essay providing historical context, the models in this book shed light on an under-appreciated figure of architectural history.

'I am convinced that the depth of an architectural work lies in the idea of a design conceived on the edge of th possible' - K.M., 1962