Russian Art Nouveau in architecture

Russian modernism appeared not accidentally. In the middle of the 19th and 20th centuries, in almost all Western European countries that had entered the era of imperialism, there were some varieties of this trend. They were manifested, to a greater extent, in the artistic industries and architecture. Russia's accession to the international imperialist system, the increase in the inflow of foreign currency into the country's industry, contributed significantly to the formation and spread of the modernist trend. At the same time, architectural criticism unanimously condemned the stylistic, eclectic trend, which also contributed to the development of the direction "Russian Modern".

The growth of interest in the direction was due to the presence in it of the spirit of innovation and rationalization. Russian Art Nouveau in architecture of that time was considered as a stage of the rise of architecture after eclecticism and retrospectivism. Artistic expressiveness reflected the interests of the bourgeoisie, which strove to create the style of the new century. Russian modern did not have a single stylistic pattern. This feature allowed the use of architecture as an advertisement in the competition between industrial and commercial firms, as well as homeowners.

The architects of Russia got acquainted with the new current of neighboring states directly or through different editions. To a greater extent, of course, the study of the current occurred in the process of propaganda of the periodical press. For example, the magazine Zodchiy published since 1872 with great attention to the foreign experience of construction, while noting the progressive rationalistic features of the works of some famous foreign architects: O. Wagner, A. van de Velde, V. Hort and others. Attracted by their desire for functionality and simplicity.

Supporters of style called for a review of all aspects of architecture, abandoning completely from artistic traditions. Architecture in the Art Nouveau style eliminated the need to inscribe buildings into traditional symmetrical schemes of compositions. The design was carried out freely, taking into account the appropriateness of the distribution of groups and individual premises. Thus, picturesque and free space-spatial architectural structures began to be created.

Of great importance in the development of the current were the metal and reinforced concrete structures used. Thus, large spaces and spans were created, which was especially important for industrial, banking, commercial and other public buildings. Lighting of large areas was carried out with the help of streetlights and large stained-glass windows. In residential buildings, bay windows (protruding parts of the building) became very common - sometimes even on several floors, with windows having different configurations. Russian modernism dramatically changed the external appearance of buildings, giving them individuality.

Rationalism of style was clearly manifested in public buildings. Each large structure had features due to large glazed surfaces, the structure of reinforced concrete and supporting structures. Architects, trying to create an external uniqueness, often resorted to excessive use of decor elements: cladding, sculptural compositions, mosaic. Along with this, the architects completely rejected the banal forms - they were replaced by specific stylization of the elements of the flora. Widespread was obtained by an arbitrary change in the usual contours, excessive pretentiousness and mannerisms of details.

In the process of its existence, architectural modernism in Russia was divided into several branches. One of the ramifications was the stylistic trend. In it, architects sought to build on the legacy of the classics.