Year: 1971

Architects: N. Chmutina, A. Stukalov, Y. Chekanyuk
Engineers: L. Dmitriev, G. Avdeev, Y. Rebrov 

The House of Furniture is an emblematic piece of soviet architecture, representing successfully the brutalist style in all of its glory. Brutalism is a style of architecture that existed between the 1950s and 1970s. Brutalism was originally born in Britain, later becoming one of the branches of postwar modernism in architecture.

Brutalism

The origin of the term "brutalism" is associated with the French phrase béton brut, which means raw concrete. With this expression, Le Corbusier described his technology for treating the exterior walls of a building, which he often introduced into post-war buildings.

The era of modern architecture came quickly and began to grow rapidly. Under the auspices of modernism, many new styles were born, of which brutalism became one of the most memorable, the symbol of which became strong concrete structures, rough processing and, bold geometry of shapes.

One of the representative architects in Ukraine, also called the “Iron Lady” of Ukrainian architecture, was Natalia Chmutina, the first female architect that was awarded the title of the People’s Architect of the Ukrainian SSR. Her building designs offer us a good chance to recognize common trends and principles of architectural development and they also give us a glance at the changeable conditions imposed on the architects at that time. 

The House of Furniture is an incredible structure built in the heart of Kyiv, representing at this time, one of the architectural symbols of the city. 

Characteristic features of the Ukrainian architectural style of the 20th century appeared in the construction of roofs. They were mostly of high four-sloped shape, resembling the outlines of the roofs of folk houses. This is one of the interesting facts about this structure, its shape is inspired by traditional architecture, but with a twist. 

Considering the primary function of the building, which was aiming to serve as a furniture trade and exhibition center, the interior space of the building needed to be open and wide, to create space for the activities that were about to take place and, to host imitation of real apartment interiors. Due to this important aspect, the architects and engineers, created a roof that is composed of two massive curved beams in an X shape, connected by four perimetral beams, all of this completed by massive curtain walls that are covering the space. 

The result is amazing, an absolute image of great architecture combined with impressive engineering. 

Another characteristic of brutalist architecture retrieved in this building is the choice of materials. Because the material, first of all, of course, is reinforced concrete. In addition, it should remain unprocessed and even unpainted. Not only did this technology prove to be at the forefront of fashion in an architectural environment, but this method did not require large expenditures, which was especially important in the post-war years in many countries in Europe and the USSR. In addition to concrete, glass and various types of metal were also used.

Beyond its commercial function, this building is also a personification of the Soviet approach to consumption. The furniture exhibition, we’re promoting functionality over ornamental value, militating over the standardization of interiors and homes. 

Nowadays, the House of Furniture functions as a shopping mall, but the architectural heritage is still present in the walls of this amazing structure.