Lessons from the Social Condensers

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The concept of the "social condenser," developed by Soviet constructivist architects in the 1920s, emphasizes architecture's potential to shape individual behavior and reform society. This book presents 101 case studies of early Soviet public buildings, including agitation installations, workers' clubs, and cultural palaces, showcasing the diverse applications of these radical architectural experiments. While they exemplify architecture's social functions, they also serve as cautionary tales of its use in state propaganda, social engineering, and territorial control across the vast Soviet landscape.