The Constructivist Theory of the Project and the Teaching of M. Ginzburg in the Vhutemas-Vhutein as a Methodological Basis for a Holistic Training Programme

This exploration of the teaching of Moisey Yakovlevich Ginzburg at VHUTEMAS-VHUTEIN and constructivist architectural theory reflects the recent resurgence of interest in the role of avant-garde culture in the construction of the contemporary world. The culture of the avant-garde spread from Europe progressively throughout the world, and its teaching-training system inspired several schools internationally in the twentieth century. However, as is well known, the culture of the European avant-garde was also rooted in an extensive non-European international context and referred not only to Western traditions. For many intellectuals of this period, including those working at VHUTEMAS-VHUTEIN , it was a matter of discovering “the other”, with the goal of undermining the Eurocentric canon of a closed artistic cultural system. Moisey Yakovlevich Ginzburg is acknowledged as one of the main theorists of constructivism in architecture. We will follow the evolution of his theoretical approach during the decade that the school of VHUTEMAS- VHUTEIN flourished – 1920–1930, and it directly influenced his teaching at the school. This paper is based on my more extensive text that will be published later this year.