What the study found
The study argues that Russian Suprematist architecture was a coherent, conceptually rigorous form of speculative world-making, not just an unrealized side note in avant-garde art history. It presents Suprematist architecture as a way of rethinking what architecture is, including its relation to space, gravity, utility, and typology.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the study suggests Suprematist architecture should be understood as an anticipatory practice, and that its unresolved projects still resonate with current discussions of space habitation, planetary design, ecological responsibility, and post-human architectural thought.
What the researchers tested
The paper examines architectural propositions by Kazimir Malevich and by Lazar Khidekel, Ilya Chashnik, and Nikolai Suetin. It uses close analysis of formal strategies, pedagogical frameworks, and theoretical writings, while also placing the projects in the context of Russian cosmism and early aerospace thought.
What worked and what didn't
The study finds that Suprematist planits, architectons, and aerocentric projects functioned as tools for imagining spatiality beyond terrestrial gravity, anthropocentric utility, and historical typology. It also identifies internal diversity in the work, including ecological proto-urbanism, hovering settlements, and magnetic and cruciform spatial systems. The paper argues that the projects' non-realization should be read not as failure but as part of their speculative method.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe empirical testing or external evaluation of these architectural proposals. It also does not present limitations beyond the claim that the projects remained unrealized.
Key points
- The study presents Russian Suprematist architecture as a coherent speculative practice.
- It argues that these projects redefined architecture's relation to space, gravity, utility, and typology.
- The paper analyzes Malevich and the work of Khidekel, Chashnik, and Suetin.
- The authors place the projects in the context of Russian cosmism and early aerospace thought.
- The abstract says the projects' non-realization was part of their speculative methodology.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Suprematist architecture is presented as speculative world-making
- Authors:
- Kornelija Ičin
- Institutions:
- University of Belgrade
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-03
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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