Rusakov Workers' Club

Rusakov Workers' Club in Moscow is a fine example of Constructivist architecture. Like all relevant Constructivist works, it was created in the twenties: between 1927 and 1929. The author was Konstantin Melnikov, an outstanding architect of that decade.

In plan, the club resembles a fan; in elevation, it is divided into a base and three cantilevered concrete seating areas. Each of these can be used as a separate auditorium, while if combined, the building seats over 1,000 people. At the rear of the building are more conventional offices. The only visible materials used in its construction are concrete, brick and glass (Wikipedia).

(video by Housingdotcom)

It is interesting to follow the course of his life: in the thirties the Constructivist ideals were no more praised by the Communist regime; the artistic vanguard was far too original and too independent in spirit to be encouraged any more. Konstantin Melnikov preferred to renounce at his profession rather than to obey to the new artistic rules set by the Party. He made a living as a portrait painter and teacher till the end of his life, in 1974.

(Suprematism and Constructivism)