Konstantin Melnikov and his House

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Konstantin Melnikov (1890–1974) stands out as a remarkable architect of the 20th century, despite a brief career and limited recognition, primarily in Moscow, where he spent most of his life. Raised in modest circumstances, he received a strong education and, starting in the mid-1920s, emerged as a leader in the Soviet architecture movement, creating autonomous, artistic buildings free from dogma. However, his rapid rise was followed by a swift downfall; facing hostility and accusations of formalism, he was expelled from the architects' association and banned from practicing for the last four decades of his life. At the height of his career in the late 1920s, he designed a house for his family in Moscow, which he lived in until his death. This house exemplifies a striking blend of simplicity and radicalism, serving as one of the most intriguing works of 20th-century architecture. Its outward simplicity belies a complex interplay of architectural elements, prompting deep questions about the essence of architectural thought. The book explores Melnikov's work from an architectural perspective, offering insights into his unique contributions. Fritz Barth, an architect and educator, brings his expertise to this examination, having authored several notable studies in architecture.