The Rise of Brutalism in Russia After World War II, the Soviet Union built vast concrete apartment blocks called ‘khrushchyovkas’ and ‘panelki’ to quickly house millions. These cold, gray, and often depressing buildings symbolized control, equality, and strength, reflecting the Soviet ideal of a society without luxury or individuality. For the people living inside, however, these buildings are more than lifeless concrete shells. They became homes filled with warmth, family traditions, and...
