Housing construction in the 60s and 70s

In the 1950s, the USSR faced an acute housing shortage. The colossal loss of stock due to the devastation of war was combined with increased urbanization and industrial production. The problem was extremely acute. The approaches of the late 40s and early 50s, which relied on beautiful brick houses, did not correspond to the situation. Most of the population lived in dilapidated houses with limited amenities. It was necessary to build modernly, technologically and, most importantly, quickly. The Soviet government set a course for the industrial construction of panel and block standard houses, which made it possible to implement a massive housing construction program throughout the country.

The first area of ​​experimental houses was Moscow Cheryomushki. They have become a symbol of comfortable and affordable housing. All the necessary social infrastructure was created around them - schools, kindergartens, hospitals, shops, transport, including the metro. The metro was mainly built before the construction of 5-story buildings. The public space was arranged in the best possible way: residents received spacious courtyards with greenery, there was space and sky around the buildings. Separate 9-story dominants made it possible to see festive fireworks and the distance. Nearby there were islands of nature, parks and forests. The concept of a garden city found worthy embodiment in these quarters.

All the blocks being built had their own style and high-rise dominants, creating a unique image of a bright, harmonious city. Along with five-story buildings, ensembles of brick houses continued to be built, which formed groups of amazing style, such as Leninsky Prospekt in Moscow. This was the main highway along which guests entered the capital from Vnukovo airport.

Moscow rejoiced when it welcomed Yuri Gagarin. Contemporaries recall the general jubilation and pride after the news of the flight of the first cosmonaut. It was a celebration of the country's tremendous success and the feeling of world championship. The archives preserved footage of Gagarin’s ceremonial meeting on Leninsky Prospekt in 1961, Fidel Castro’s visit in 1963, and the development of the Southwestern Moscow region.

From 1956 to 1963, the housing stock of the USSR almost doubled: from 640 million square meters. m to almost 1.2 billion. This increase was significantly greater than the entire volume of housing built during the first 40 years of Soviet power.

In the 70s, the number of floors in new areas increased, apartments became larger, but the general concept of a garden city did not change. The areas remained cozy and harmonious. All social infrastructure, recreational areas and trade areas were included in the planning even before construction began. The districts were built according to plan; the concept assumed a light image, without gloomy tones, and a balanced height of buildings (for example, Yasenevo).

All cities developed according to plan, housing construction went along with the construction of social facilities, roads and subways. Cities were zoned into industrial, residential and recreational zones. Construction was carried out using industrial methods, which accelerated the pace. Specialized institutes developed a series of residential buildings. All housing was provided to citizens free of charge. Additionally, there was the possibility of cooperative construction, which made it possible to improve conditions faster than the queue.