Moscow dominating buildings in the Stalinist era and their interpretation in the 21st century

This research focuses on Moscow’s iconic high-rise buildings from the Stalinist era – often called the “Stalinist skyscrapers” – and their modern reinterpretations in 21st-century urban development. The main goal is to examine the visual, compositional, and urban planning features of the seven original skyscrapers built in Moscow during the 1940s–1950s, as well as newer buildings (either already constructed or under design) that imitate the “Stalinist Empire” architectural style. Special attention is given to how systematically the postwar city skyline was shaped and to what extent key elements of that historic style are reproduced today. The study also clarifies confusing terms such as “Stalinist architecture,” “neoclassicism,” and “pseudo-Stalinist architecture.” The research uses decomposition of architectural elements and comparative analysis to identify which features are most often copied – and which essential qualities are lost in modern versions. The study shows that today’s “pseudo-Stalinist” towers lack the systemic coherence of the original landmarks. Although they sometimes copy surface details – like vertical divisions on façades, spires, or stepped-back upper floors – they miss crucial urban and decorative elements: the pyramid-like silhouette with side wings, a strong base (stylobate), rooftop viewing platforms (belvederes), ornamental stucco, and sculptural decoration. As a result, these new buildings do not function as true urban landmarks and cannot shape the city’s identity the way the original seven skyscrapers did. The paper suggests using the term “pseudo-Stalinist skyscrapers” for buildings that only imitate the style without restoring its overall urban logic. Ultimately, the research concludes that historical and modern towers cannot be combined into a single, coherent system of urban landmarks.