Single-apartment house and USSR pavilion in Paris: Melnikov’s projects at "The Birth of Scale" exposition

The National Centre RUSSIA, as part of "The Birth of Scale" exposition, presents a comprehensive showcase of the legacy of Konstantin Melnikov — an honored architect of the RSFSR and one of the leading figures of the avant-garde movement in Soviet architecture. In the 1930s, he gained worldwide recognition as the greatest Russian architect, and in honor of his centenary, UNESCO declared 1990 the Year of Konstantin Melnikov.

The exposition features a model of the innovative wooden pavilion "Makhorka" ("makhorka" is a Russian term for a type of tobacco), which, in 1923, marked the young architect’s bold debut at the First All-Russian Agricultural Exposition in Moscow. The project was commissioned by the All-Russian Makhorka Syndicate. Initially planned as a modest one-story structure, "Makhorka" evolved into a conceptual architectural piece with cantilevered overhangs, large-scale surfaces for advertising posters, an open spiral staircase, and panoramic glazing without structural supports at the corners. All these features distinguished the project from other exposition structures. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The architect's unique creative concept was repeatedly criticized in the USSR, as Melnikov boldly broke stereotypes, turning to forms that many of his colleagues deemed unacceptable in architecture. "Makhorka" was no exception. The project was met with sharp disapproval from the clients; however, the chief architect of the exposition, Alexei Shchusev, supported the young creator. As a result, by many accounts, "Makhorka" became the most original structure within the exposition space — despite the participation of numerous renowned and distinguished architects and artists in the design of other buildings.

"When this pavilion was being built, many architects started making changes to their projects literally during the construction process. Inspired by 'Makhorka,' they no longer saw the point in following old methods when they could design as Melnikov did. As a result, many new and exciting projects and pavilions emerged," said Antonina Matserinskaya, a tour guide at the National Centre RUSSIA.

Melnikov continued the fundamentally new approach introduced in "Makhorka" with his design for the USSR pavilion at the 1925 International Exposition of Decorative and Applied Arts in Paris. The building became one of the first striking examples of Russian architectural avant-garde presented to the European public. It was thanks to this pavilion — whose model is also displayed at "The Birth of Scale" exposition — that Melnikov gained worldwide recognition. 

Photo: Press Office of the National Centre RUSSIA

The Motherland generously rewarded Melnikov by giving him the opportunity to build a house for himself and his family in the very heart of Moscow — on Krivoarbatsky Lane. The famous Melnikov House is a single-apartment building consisting of two interlocking cylinders. The facade is fully glazed, and the round walls feature hexagonal windows. Today, the building houses the memorial section of the exposition of the State Museum of Konstantin and Viktor Melnikov.

Another unique project by Melnikov, whose model visitors can see at the exposition, is the innovative bridge-garage over the Seine. Along the entire length of the bridge, ramps and parking spaces for 1,000 cars are arranged at an incline. Additional supports take the form of Atlas figures. The project was never realized, but the idea of efficiently organized multi-level parking complexes was later implemented in the architect's works in Moscow.

Visitors can explore the finest examples of Russian architecture and trace the evolution of national architectural design at "The Birth of Scale" exposition every day except Monday from 10:00 to 20:00. Entry to the exposition is free. To visit as part of a guided tour, prior registration is required on the website russia.ru.