Space interiors and a northern station: women's projects at the "The Birth of Scale" exposition

The architectural exposition "The Birth of Scale" is open at the National Centre RUSSIA, showcasing projects by Russian architects and urban planners. In honor of the spring holiday on March 8, we highlight structures created with the participation of women architects.

After Yuri Gagarin's spaceflight on April 12, 1961, space exploration became deeply embedded in Soviet architecture, design, and everyday life. Space dictated fundamentally new requirements for organizing living and working environments.

The first-ever "space architect" was Galina Balashova, the designer of interiors for Soviet spacecraft. The exposition features several of Balashova’s design projects, including a sketch of the implemented interior of the orbital compartment of the Soyuz-T spacecraft (1969–1971), as well as various designs for the working area of the Mir space station. Balashova’s design is characterized by simplicity, functionality, attention to detail, and interior aesthetics.

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

Alongside space exploration, the development of the Far North was also rapidly progressing. This presented architects with truly complex yet fascinating challenges. The most renowned projects were created by architects Alexander and Yelizaveta Shipkov. Alexander Shipkov worked in the Far North for many years—first in design organizations and later as the chief architect of Norilsk. He always called his wife a co-author, emphasizing that their joint efforts were key to creating significant structures.

A striking example of the Shipkovs' boldness and ingenuity is the experimental residential complexes "Pyramid" and "Polar," which integrate apartment buildings, kindergartens, schools, retail spaces, and service facilities into a single structure. The architects even incorporated a swimming pool and a winter garden. The project was approved by the Council of Ministers of the USSR, and a model was sent to Montreal for Expo 1967. The works of Alexander and Yelizaveta Shipkov had a tremendous impact on Russian architecture and became a hallmark of Soviet design abroad.

The exposition "The Birth of Scale" at the National Centre RUSSIA is open to visitors free of charge every day except Monday from 10:00 to 20:00. Registration is available on the website russia.ru in the "Events" section.