The construction of the Moscow circular home, also known as Bublik, took place within the challenging circumstances of a housing shortage in the USSR. Its circular shape classifies it as a Khrushchyovka construction, distinguishing it from the uniform and repetitive structures of that era.

A housing crisis-induced typology

In the aftermath of World War II, Eastern Europe had a substantial rural exodus, which was a continuation of the migration trend that started in the 1930s. This was a direct result of the implementation of new industrialization and collectivization programs. The rural population abandoned the countryside in favor of urban settlements, compelling the Soviet authorities to enlarge metropolitan regions and construct colossal structures. 

This marked the beginning of communal dwelling and the emergence of a new architectural prototype, known as the Khrushchyovka (an informal appellation derived from Nikita Khrushchev). This typology emerged after the era of Stalinist architecture, which consisted of a collection of costly, high-quality structures that were only accessible to a privileged few. The Khrushchyovka are affordable structures constructed using brick or concrete panels. 

Initially constructed as provisional residences to address the housing shortage in the USSR, these constructions were projected to last for around 25 years. However, a significant number of them were ultimately erected as permanent edifices. Emphasis is placed on simplicity and minimizing building expenses, which results in a reduction of functionalism, aesthetics, and uniqueness, leading to a bland outcome. These buildings were notable for their substantial size, but they never surpassed 5 stories. Indeed, this decision permitted the exclusion of an elevator, which was deemed too costly.

Enhance the variety of communal residences with the use of circular architectural design.

Responding to the standardization of these architectural structures, the Soviet architect Eugene Stamo collaborated with engineer Aleksandr Markelov to suggest an innovative design for these edifices. A circular residential structure was constructed in 1972 to alleviate the uniformity of the Ochakovo-Matveevskoe area. This structure, measuring 155 meters in circumference, has 26 entrances to accommodate a total of 913 units spread over 8 stories. 

The ground level is exclusively allocated to retail establishments such as shops, hair salons, pharmacies, bookstores, libraries, and a children’s club. In contrast, the courtyard is designed as a park and playground, providing a secluded space apart from the urban environment. Dubbed “Bublik” (Russian for bagel) due to its distinctive shape, the real estate venture did not achieve significant financial success. Owing to its technological divergence from conventional structures, the construction of this building incurred much more costs and required a lengthier timeframe compared to the adjacent buildings.

The circle is a geometric shape that represents both unity and division.

Nevertheless, the center, designed to evoke the atmosphere of the former Soviet residential courtyard, has significant symbolic significance that appealed to the authorities. Furthermore, the proximity to various amenities made it feasible to construct two further circular residential structures in Moscow throughout the 1970s, each with a similar quantity of flats. However, despite the recognition of the overall practical aspect, the flats’ trapezoidal form resulted in the accumulation of limitations. 

Initially, it is challenging to equip a surface with walls that are not at right angles. Additionally, it was arduous to carry out repairs in these non-conventional units. Furthermore, the expansive center area exacerbated the constant wind rather than mitigating it, resulting in an issue with echoes. However, this project had a significant impact on the urban environment of the Soviet Union, and the circular shape continues to be an often used architectural design.