the house that Melnikov built

While in Moscow I managed get some time to take pictures in the unbelievably inspiring Melnikov House.

Rightly considered one of the most important monuments to Soviet and constructivist architecture by one the most important architects, wedged in the heart of Moscow's prime real estate, this building despite its meaning seems to have an uncertain future. I took the pictures for the use of the Moscow Architecture Preservation Society (MAPS), a group of foreign journalists and Russian activists who are trying their hardest to conserve some of the historic buildings in Moscow that are being torn down in the name of progress/profit.

I cant really begin to go into the story behind the Melnikov house, best for you to look at the MAPS releases. I've been in the building a couple of times and on every occasion have the feeling of awe. The use of space contravenes the need for anything majestic. Two interlocking cylinders, with a honeycomb structure by Shukov, and the hexagonal windows, as much a product of building material rationing. A man built a home without resorting to any kind presumption to historical precedence, or needing to impose his vision on visitors - his vision was imposing enough. Actually I got the feeling that visitors didn't play a huge part in the design process, it was a simple and unique way to house and provide working space for his family. Not that Konstantin Melnikov was a simple man, and his character may have contributed the relatively short span of his working life under Stalin.



The first time I visited several years ago was to take pictures of Daniel Libeskind, visiting Moscow briefly, and who demanded to see the place. I arrived early and was greeted by Viktor Melnikov, Konstantin's son, who was elderly, frail and lucid. Viktor was still painting in the upstairs studio at the time, and it seemed that the place then would be around for ever as we chatted on the stoop of this masterpiece with no-one around. He told me about the circumstances surrounding the death of his father. It was very moving. Viktor's death precipitated the current situation.




It was great to be able to contribute something to the cause, as Churchill said - "we make a living by what we get but make a life by what we give". Not that my contribution is great, but it is all I can give. Circular buildings do present problems for interior photographers, so it was an education as well.