Stalin’s Architect Power and Survival in Moscow /anglais

Delve into the chilling intersection of power, architecture, and survival in Deyan Sudjic’s “Stalin’s Architect: Power and Survival in Moscow.” This meticulously researched and compellingly written book, published in 2022 by Thames & Hudson, offers a unique and unsettling portrait of the Soviet Union under Stalin through the lens of one man’s extraordinary career: Boris Iofan, Stalin’s favored architect. More than just a biography, “Stalin’s Architect” is a gripping narrative of ambition, artistic vision, and the crushing weight of political ideology. Sudjic, a renowned architecture critic and former director of the Design Museum in London, masterfully unveils the complex dynamic between Iofan and Stalin, exploring how architecture became a potent symbol of state power and control. Iofan, initially celebrated for his constructivist vision, found himself navigating the treacherous currents of Stalinist Russia. His dream was to build the Palace of the Soviets, a monumental structure intended to dwarf the world’s tallest buildings and solidify Stalin’s image as a visionary leader. Sudjic expertly details the intense competition and political maneuvering surrounding this project, revealing the personal and professional sacrifices Iofan was forced to make to stay in favor. Through Iofan’s story, Sudjic illuminates the broader architectural landscape of Moscow during Stalin’s reign. The book explores the shift from avant-garde styles to the imposing, neoclassical architecture that became synonymous with the Soviet regime. It examines how architects were instrumentalized as instruments of propaganda, their designs reflecting and reinforcing the dictator’s absolute authority. But “Stalin’s Architect” is not simply a tale of grand designs and political machinations. It is also a deeply human story about the choices individuals make under extreme pressure. The book delves into Iofan’s personal life, exploring his relationships, his creative struggles, and the constant fear of falling out of favor with Stalin. It portrays a man caught between his artistic ideals and the demands of a ruthless regime, forced to compromise his integrity in order to survive. Reviews have lauded Sudjic’s ability to weave together architectural history, political intrigue, and personal biography into a captivating and insightful narrative. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of the Soviet era, the power of architecture, and the moral complexities of working under totalitarian rule. This hardcover edition is a must-read for anyone interested in architecture, Soviet history, political biography, or the psychology of power. Discover the story behind the buildings that shaped a nation and the man who dared to dream big in the shadow of a dictator. This book provides a disturbing, fascinating, and deeply human look into a world of power and paranoia.