The impact of the “Gorky” method of housing construction on large Soviet city space development in the second half of the 1950s (On the example of Saratov)

Abstract

The article analyzesthe implementation ofthe practice of housing construction bythe “Gorky”method in Saratov duringthe Khrushchev housing reform. It is concluded that housing construction using this method was a temporary measure to mitigate the housing crisis that existed then in the USSR and in Saratov in particular. The buildings were built according to standard designs and had a minimum of decor, but they were human-sized, formed a rather comfortable urban environment and, despite the ascetic appearance, in some cases even brought some variety to the city’s appearance.

Keywords

• saratov
• urban space
• “gorky” method of housing construction
• public construction method
• housing crisis
• khrushchev housing reform
• soviet architecture
• soviet urban planning