Architecture of Soviet Avant-garde in the South of Russia: Past and Future

The study examines the architectures during 1920s-1930s in the south of Russia (a vast territory of the North-Caucasus and the Southern Federal Districts), in the context of issues of continuity, traditions and innovations. Both well-known architectural monuments designed by the leading masters of the country, and a wide layer of little-known objects are considered. It is concluded that although this period is usually associated with widespread avant-garde architecture, the influence of other stylistic movements (traditionalism, art deco) was also very great. A special place in the study is devoted to the problem of preserving the heritage. The study showed that only single objects are under state protection. Security status is not a guarantee of preservation of the monument. Moreover, the smaller the settlement is and the worse its economic condition is, the better the state of historical architectural objects will be. Keywords—architecture of the South of Russia during 1920s1930s; Soviet avant-garde; traditions; innovations; preserving the heritage