Brutalism in Central Asia: The Eastern Influences that Shaped Soviet Architecture
In the second half of the 20th century, Soviet architecture has spread a common aesthetic across highly diverse environments, being an integral part in promoting the totalitarian ideology that disregarded local cultures, envisioning a unified, homogenous society. Nevertheless, in practice, the architecture proved itself susceptible to adaptations and local influences, perhaps nowhere more than in Central Asia. The article looks at the architectural heritage of a geographical area largely excluded from the Western-centric narratives on Soviet Modernism, encouraging a re-reading of a layered and nuanced urban landscape, with images by Roberto Conte and Stefano Perego.
![Brutalism in Central Asia: The Eastern Influences that Shaped Soviet Architecture](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6080/3c40/e6cf/df01/64fc/4a7b/medium_jpg/08.jpg?1619016773#)
![Aul housing complex (1986). Almaty, Kazakhstan. Image © Roberto Conte Aul housing complex (1986). Almaty, Kazakhstan. Image © Roberto Conte](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/6080/3c40/e6cf/df01/64fc/4a7b/medium_jpg/08.jpg?1619016773)
In the second half of the 20th century, Soviet architecture has spread a common aesthetic across highly diverse environments, being an integral part in promoting the totalitarian ideology that disregarded local cultures, envisioning a unified, homogenous society. Nevertheless, in practice, the architecture proved itself susceptible to adaptations and local influences, perhaps nowhere more than in Central Asia. The article looks at the architectural heritage of a geographical area largely excluded from the Western-centric narratives on Soviet Modernism, encouraging a re-reading of a layered and nuanced urban landscape, with images by Roberto Conte and Stefano Perego.