Planning Project for the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok, 1958: Its Place in the History of Soviet Architecture

Abstract

Based on the analysis of archival sources and publications in the Soviet press of 1957–1958, the article examines the history of the design and architectural and planning features of the general plan of Akademgorodok in Novosibirsk, developed in December 1957 – January 1958 Novosibproekt. In November 1957, Akademgorodok was included in the number of experimental projects that were to symbolize a new stage of the Soviet architectural reform, that began in June 1958. The project vividly embodied a new concept of the city and microdistrict with free planning, borrowed from foreign urban planning experience. Presented for discussion to the architectural community in January-February 1958, the project was ahead of its time and was not understood by many Soviet architects.