Georgy Krutikov's Flying City

Contents:

• Background
• Creation and meaning
• Influence

In the "History of One Design" section, we explore outstanding design objects, analyzing the premises behind their creation, their significance, and their influence on the development of visual culture. Each object represents a unique combination of functionality and aesthetics, reflecting the spirit of the times and cultural trends. We delve into the details to understand how these designs shaped visual language and left an indelible mark on history.

"Flying City" is a student project by architect Georgy Krutikov, created in 1928. This unique project allows us to imagine how architecture could develop in conditions of freedom and an absence of restrictions. The project reflects bold ideas and concepts that are still relevant in the modern world. Krutikov's architectural vision demonstrates innovative approaches to urban planning and space formation, inspiring future generations of architects to create bold and original solutions.

Background

In the 1920s, scientists in the Soviet Union dreamed of a future in which new planets would be discovered and humanity would be able to spread throughout the universe. This concept, known as "cosmism," had a significant influence on the development of space science and culture. The founder of Soviet cosmonautics, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, developed designs for the first spacecraft, anticipating the era of space travel. At the same time, Soviet artists and poets formed associations of "biocosmists-immortalists" who explored the interaction between man and the cosmos, inspiring a new generation to explore the universe and its mysteries.

At that time, it seemed that overcoming gravity and completely subjugating nature by man would become a reality in the near future. It seemed that tomorrow, communist cities would float above the Earth, turning dreams of harmony with nature into reality.

Futuroconstructivism was the leading architectural movement of its time, emphasizing functionality and innovative approaches. This movement combined practical solutions with fantastical concepts of the future. In Soviet art schools, young architects were taught a rational approach to form-building, while encouraging experimentation with new ideas and forms.

Creation and Meaning

In 1928, Georgy Krutikov, a student at VKhUTEMAS, presented his graduation project – a project for the city of the future. Since the early 1920s, Krutikov actively corresponded with Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, discussing the ideas of cosmism and their application to architecture and urban planning. In his work, he sought to reflect the progressive ideas of his era, combining artistic concepts with scientific advances. Krutikov's project became an important step toward understanding future cities and their possible structures, as well as a symbol of the desire for innovation and new technologies in architecture.

In his project, the graduate proposed leaving the Earth for travel, leisure, and work, and moving housing into the air. The architect envisioned levitating buildings using cutting-edge energy sources expected to be discovered by science in the near future. This approach would not only free up the Earth's surface for natural ecosystems but also create new opportunities for urban architecture, changing the perception of urban space. Using innovative technologies to create aerial residential complexes could be a key step toward sustainable development and improving the quality of life in cities.

The project envisioned industrial spaces and workshops as the city's center, with residential buildings for workers rising from them. These structures, according to the architect's concept, had no corners, and their forms were streamlined and geometrically simple. As a result, they created a cellular parabola reminiscent of a honeycomb structure. This approach to architecture not only ensured functionality but also contributed to the creation of a harmonious urban space where industrial and residential areas coexist organically.

The architect created an innovative solution for movement between living spaces—a teardrop-shaped flying machine. This oval shape, with a rounded front and pointed rear end, provides not only aerodynamics but also a unique appearance. These machines are capable of traveling on land, water, and in the air, making them a versatile means of transportation. These cabins feature transformable furniture, allowing them to be used not only as transportation but also as fully-fledged homes. This solution opens up new horizons in the concept of mobile housing and movement.

According to Krutikov, the modern city forms social and material inequality among its residents: wealthy citizens choose prestigious areas, while the less affluent end up in dysfunctional slums. Progressive urbanism, proposed by Krutikov, aims to reorganize the urban environment to ensure equal living conditions for all residents. This approach contributes to the creation of a more just and harmonious urban space, where everyone has access to high-quality services and infrastructure.

The young architect believed that each social formation forms a unique type of urban structure. For example, under feudalism, a central-radial layout with a fortress at the center arises, while in the era of capitalism, a rectangular grid with perpendicular street intersections predominates. The new social order, in his opinion, should free humanity from attachment to the land, offering new approaches to urban planning and architecture. This opens up prospects for the creation of innovative spaces that will reflect progressive ideas and the changing needs of society.

Influence

In 1929, architecture student Isaac Iozefovich presented a design for a unique structure—a flying House of Congresses of the USSR. His concept included the construction of "mooring" towers in each republic capital, each with a hall, library, auditoriums, and a hotel with a total capacity of approximately 3,500 people. According to the architect's plan, a huge airship would fly between these buildings, connecting the country's government with the various towers. This project would symbolize the equality of the republics and the decentralization of power, emphasizing the desire for innovative ideas in architecture and governance.

In In 1930, two years after Georgy Krutikov's design, VKHUTEMAS graduate Viktor Kalmykov presented his "Saturnium" project. In this unique concept, the architect proposed creating a ring-like city encircling the Earth, suspended in the air without supports. The Saturny project has become a striking example of innovative thinking and the desire to create new forms of urbanism, offering an alternative view of the development of cities and their integration into the airspace.

Although the dreams of Soviet futurists never came true, and the possibility of levitating buildings remains a fantasy, modern architects continue to explore similar concepts. Inspired by the ideas of the past, they strive to develop innovative technologies and create unique architectural solutions. This quest not only reflects a desire for aesthetics but also incorporates environmental and functional aspects, making contemporary projects even more relevant in the face of modern challenges.

A unique architectural design, Taiwan Tower, has been developed in Taiwan. This 390-meter tower will be equipped with eight airships that will move along the building both up and down. Each airship will be able to accommodate up to 80 people, providing spectators with the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views from above. The Taiwan Tower project not only represents an innovative solution in the field of architecture, but also creates new opportunities for tourists and residents of the city.

New York architects presented a unique Analemma Tower project, which combines elements of semi-fantastic architecture and high technology. Their concept envisions a "flying house" suspended from an artificial asteroid launched into Earth orbit. This innovative structure will not only float but also move along a predetermined trajectory, envisioning a route resembling a figure-eight between the northern and southern US states. The Analemma Tower project opens new horizons for architecture and urban planning, demonstrating how modern technologies can transform our perception of housing and space.

In Japan, innovative buildings are being actively developed that can lift off the ground and “jump” onto a certain height. This unique architectural concept aims to protect residents from the devastating effects of earthquakes. Thanks to these technologies, buildings will not only be resilient but also adaptable to seismic activity, significantly increasing safety in regions with a high risk of earthquakes.

While modern architectural projects were hardly directly inspired by Krutikov's "Flying City," his imaginative and experimental approach demonstrated the boundless possibilities of architectural thought. This naive yet ambitious project sparked widespread interest in the development of aerial spaces designed for human habitation. As a result, concepts like the Flying City have spurred further research and innovation in architecture, opening new horizons for creating unique living spaces in the air.