A Subway that represents the repeat pattern, and rigid design of Stalinist architecture - "Heroiv Pratsi, Kharkiv- Ukraine"

Every country and every city has something that represents itself, whether it is history or architecture. No matter whether the architecture is modern or ancient, it represents the uniqueness of a city or a country. From ancient to modern, from molded shape to flat roof, the dynamism and history of architecture always fascinated me. From the post-modern era till now, the tremendous diversity of architure describes the evaluation and how far we have come. The credit goes to all the architects who were behind this revolutionary journey and showed us the wonders of the world.

Modern architecture has some advantages, you can learn, think hypothetically and design futuristic designs. But history often inspires us to create some in a unique way.

I remember, when I was designing a bunker for a competition Busan, South Korea project, I had to do a lot of studies more than design.

I see Kharkiv as a historical city; A city that is holding the history of the soviet and post-soviet eras. This city has gone through so much once upon a time and every structure here represents the memories of the war and sufferings. Many post-soviet buildings and monuments were destroyed after the war and later restoration and reconstruction happened.

Every corner of the city represents the history of the Soviets even sometimes I have seen the logo of the USSR here and there. This city is different, it's not futuristic like Dubai, Singapore, or historical like Rome, but an individual can definitely feel the essence of soviet architecture here.

Heroiv Pratsi- Kharkiv, Ukraine

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The meaning of Heroiv Pratsi is Heroes of labor. This title is dedicated to the workers in honor of exceptional work for the country.

This subway/metro station is located on Kharkiv metro's Saltivka Line, it was constructed and opened in 1986, during the Soviet period. Back then it was known as Heroiv Truda ((Героев Труда) in Russian Language but later it changed to Heroiv Pratsi (Героїв Праці) in Ukrainian.

The subway is underground with 1 platform and 2 tracks. Columns and beams structure but I think there is much more. It looks simple at a first glance but when I started noticing thoroughly, I have found much more.

The platform itself is designed and unique, though it is not a vault-shaped subway still it has some uniqueness. The platform floor design is related to the ceiling design, from far away it looks like a corridor but it is not. An individual can relate this subway design to a railway platform, they look similar.

I don't know much about the materials because it's very old but I assume for the floor, they have used brown and dark brown granite.

The layers of the ceiling created a depth and helped to reduce the noise of the station. It is not the false ceiling, I would say the entire ceiling is carrying the weight of the subway with the help of enormous columns. The lighting is different, unique designed geometric shaped chandeliers.

Does it look like a typical Metro Station, probably the answer is yes but I don't know. I haven't found any significant information about this station.

The ceiling is designed following a pattern of reputation, after a certain amount of distance, the same design is repeated. So, the design of the ceiling followed a rhythmic pattern which also express the concept of Soviet Architecture style.

Unlike other subways made by the soviets, this station is not colorful, it is monochromatic which is holding the superiority and significance of the cold war. On the wall, traditional and geometric patterns are displayed along with the sculptures and logos of the Soviets. Photography is highly prohibited here.

This art piece is holding the logo of the USSR (Soviet Union).

This monument is representing the construction workers or laborers.	This is another logo of the soviet period but the design is slightly different than the others.

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Here are a few art designs of the wall, I don't know whether I should call them soviet representative logos or art pieces or sculptures. Obviously, there is a logo of the USSR which is written like CCCP on every art piece.

The design seemed very stiff and rigid to me, I don't even know what materials are used for those heavy artworks, probably plaster had been used but not so sure. Honestly, it's hard to describe such projects in words because it might look like a museum or a bunker, or a memorial. The art pieces on the wall will give you the details if you can read them properly.

My Final Thoughts:

This station is historical, it's not fancy, very rigid and stiff type of design with patterns and repetition. It is very simple with a complex structure like other soviet designs.

Soviet architecture usually refers to two different styles, Constructivist architecture (prominent in the 1920s & early 1930s) and Stalinist architecture (prominent in the 1930s via 1950s). This design probably followed Stalinist architecture which is also known as Socialist Classicism. The ceiling and the entire atmospheric design of the subway represent the definition of Stalinist architecture.

There are many other subways from the soviet period, this subway is one of them...

That's all for today, folks...

Until next time... Have a nice day everyone...

Thanks for reading my blog...

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Love

Priyan

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"I am @priyanarc... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thought easily..."

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