Yuri Avvakumov. Paper Architecture. An Anthology

The traditions of paper architecture derive from French and Italian designs of the eighteenth century and avant-garde projects produced in the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 1930s. In the early 1980s, a group of students at Moscow Architectural Institute found a way around the censor and began sending entries to Japanese ideas competitions. Yuri Avvakumov was one of the key figures in the paper architecture movement of the time and amassed a large collection of works by his friends and colleagues.

Format: Hardback
Length: 376 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2021
Publisher: Artguide s.r.o.

The rich tapestry of paper architecture finds its origins in the elegant designs of the eighteenth century, intricately crafted by the hands of French and Italian architects. However, it was during the avant-garde movements of the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 1930s that this art form truly flourished, albeit met with some criticism for its perceived detachment from reality, practicality, and ideological principles. Despite these reservations, these visionary projects sought to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of architectural imagination.

In the early 1980s, a group of students at the Moscow Architectural Institute found a clever way to circumvent the strict censorship imposed at the time. They began submitting their entries to Japanese ideas competitions, and to their surprise, they started winning. Among the key figures in this movement was Yuri Avvakumov, a talented architect who amassed a vast collection of works created by his friends and colleagues.

This remarkable anthology, titled "Paper Architecture: An Anthology," was first published in Russian in 2019. It quickly gained recognition and acclaim, earning the prestigious The Art Newspaper Russia Book of the Year award. The book is a testament to the enduring legacy of paper architecture and showcases a diverse range of stunning designs, each with its unique aesthetic and conceptual approach.

The traditions of paper architecture trace back to the elegant designs of the eighteenth century, where French and Italian architects showcased their skill and creativity. These early designs laid the foundation for the development of paper architecture as an art form. However, it was during the avant-garde movements of the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 1930s that this art form truly flourished.

During this period, architects in the Soviet Union were encouraged to explore new and innovative ways of designing buildings. They were free from the constraints of traditional architectural practices and were allowed to experiment with new materials, forms, and ideologies. This led to the creation of some of the most stunning and visionary paper architecture projects ever seen.

One of the key figures in the paper architecture movement was Yuri Avvakumov. Avvakumov was a talented architect who had a deep appreciation for the beauty of paper and its potential as a medium for architectural design. He began collecting works created by his friends and colleagues, and soon his collection grew into a vast repository of paper architecture masterpieces.

Avvakumov's collection included a wide range of designs, from intricate cityscapes to abstract sculptures. Each design was carefully crafted and executed, showcasing the skill and creativity of the architects who created it. However, not all of Avvakumov's designs were met with universal acclaim. Some critics accused him of being too detached from reality and of promoting unrealistic ideologies.

Despite these criticisms, Avvakumov remained committed to the paper architecture movement. He continued to create new designs and to promote the art form to a wider audience. He also organized exhibitions and competitions to showcase the best of paper architecture, and his efforts helped to raise the profile of the movement.

In the early 1980s, a group of students at the Moscow Architectural Institute found a way to circumvent the strict censorship imposed by the Soviet government. They began submitting their entries to Japanese ideas competitions, and to their surprise, they started winning. Among the key figures in this movement was Yuri Avvakumov, a talented architect who amassed a vast collection of works created by his friends and colleagues.

Avvakumov's collection included a wide range of designs, from intricate cityscapes to abstract sculptures. Each design was carefully crafted and executed, showcasing the skill and creativity of the architects who created it. However, not all of Avvakumov's designs were met with universal acclaim. Some critics accused him of being too detached from reality and of promoting unrealistic ideologies.

Despite these criticisms, Avvakumov remained committed to the paper architecture movement. He continued to create new designs and to promote the art form to a wider audience. He also organized exhibitions and competitions to showcase the best of paper architecture, and his efforts helped to raise the profile of the movement.

In 2019, Avvakumov's collection was published in a book titled "Paper Architecture: An Anthology." The book was a testament to the enduring legacy of paper architecture and showcased the best of Avvakumov's collection. It included an introductory essay by Avvakumov, as well as a selection of press cuttings, many of which were translated to English for the first time.

The book received widespread acclaim and was praised for its stunning visuals and insightful commentary. It helped to bring paper architecture to a wider audience and to promote the art form as a valuable and innovative form of architectural design.

In conclusion, the traditions of paper architecture derive from the elegant designs of the eighteenth century and the avant-garde projects produced in the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 1930s. While these projects were met with some criticism for their perceived detachment from reality, practicality, and ideology, they continue to inspire and influence architects today. The paper architecture movement of the early 1980s was a testament to the resilience and creativity of architects who were willing to push the boundaries of architectural imagination. The anthology "Paper Architecture: An Anthology" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the art form, and it serves as a reminder of the power of architecture to inspire and transform the world.

Weight: 3036g
Dimension: 278 x 317 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788090671478