Panel residential buildings architecture development in Nizhny Novgorod

Continuity of the 21st century first quarter Nizhny Novgorod architecture with the Soviet modernism era architecture of 1960s –1980s in Gorky is revealed. The residential panel houses development evolutionary process in Gorky is analyzed using the examples of the standard 1-464 series various variations and an experimental residential complex (E-600 series). The modern Nizhny Novgorod practice objects in the field of housing construction are investigated. The main criteria defining the features of modern architecture peculiarity in relation to the Soviet modernist era residential buildings are defined. Based on the identified criteria, a comparative analysis of the two periods was carried out. Main similarities and differences between apartment buildings of the 1960s – 1980s Soviet modernism era in Gorky and the 21st century first quarter modern Nizhny Novgorod architecture are identified. The main trends in the latest architectural practice are formulated: designing open-plan apartments (“semi-finished apartment”), facades decorativism, plans configuration complicating, enhancing of facades plastic expressiveness, storeys number increasing, floor height, rooms and kitchens area increasing, kitchens and living rooms combining, apartment household zone expanding, number of loggias in the apartment (attached and recessed) increasing, increase in the number of one- and two-room apartments (due to the economic situation and family demographic composition declining).