Alexei Shciusev and Konstantin Melnikov – compared experiences and destinies

To draw a parallel between these two great personalities - Alexei Shciusev and Konstantin Melnikov - is not a simple task. Although their fates are so different, their life paths being incompatible, they had multiple intersections and tangents. Both experienced professional success and international recognition early in their careers. After the death of Vladimir Lenin, Alexei Shciusev was assigned to design the mausoleum of the former leader of the Soviet state, while Konstantin Melnikov contributed to the creation of the Soviet symbol of the fight against death by designing the sarcophagus for Lenin’s body. Both of their successful careers were based on creativity, knowledge, and depth, which had resulted in high-quality works until 1932, when Stalin introduced a new style in architecture and Soviet architects were forced to change their style and give up their personal views regarding the architectural profession. Konstantin Melnikov preserved his honesty and professional dignity at too great a sacrifice. Shciusev’s successful career after 1938 is explained by his willingness to work with the authorities and his voluntary agreement to be a man of the system. He consciously created Stalinist architecture, playing an important role in shaping the imposed style. This earned him four Stalin Prizes. The choices and the consequences were theirs.