N.S. Khrushchev and the Struggle Against Excesses in Soviet Architecture (1949–1954)

Abstract

According to traditional historiography, the "struggle against excesses" in Soviet architecture began unexpectedly, without visible prerequisites, in 1954. Based on a study of archival materials, this article argues that Khrushchev began reshaping the construction industry of Moscow almost immediately after being appointed First Secretary of the city's Party Committee at the end of 1949. His reforms involved policies of typization, standardization and industrialization of housing construction. As a result; the well-known November 4, 1955 TsK decree "On the elimination of excesses in design and construction" was not as spontaneous as has been thought; but was the outcome of a long and complex process of change in Soviet architecture and city planning.