Sochi Russia – Richard Pare
With the recent world spot light on Sochi Russia, it is worth mentioning Richard Pare’s photographs of the Voroshilov Sanatorium, built 1930-34 by the architect Miron Merzhanov. Many of you may have seen recent coverage of a later work by Merzhanov; Josef Stalin’s dacha. The brutal dictators residence, received significant media coverage during the Winter Olympics. (NPR & New York Times)
Below is a written excerpt and images from Pare’s book The Lost Vanguard (Russian Modernist Architecture 1922-1932) describing the structure that brought Merzhanov the prominence that caught Stalin’s attention.
Taking advantage of a spectacular hilltop site on the coast of the Black Sea at Sochi, the Voroshilov sanatorium is one of the most innovative and well executed of all the modernist works of the Soviet era. Still in good condition and little altered, the complex exudes a sense of well-being and airy transparency. Most of the guest rooms face the ocean and are provided with balconies protected by brises soleils. The main complex is connected to the ocean by a funicular railway. From 1933-41 Merzhanov became Stalin’s personal architect, perhaps a contributing factor in the exceptionally well-maintained state of the complex. – Richard Pare
To view the entire on-line exhibition: The Lost Vanguard
To view Richard Pare’s Artist Page
