dmytro soloviovs' 'ukrainian modernism' documents the nation's soviet-era architecture

ukrainian modernism documents over 120 structures

A new publication by FUEL titled Ukrainian Modernism brings long-overdue attention to a period of architecture still largely absent from mainstream discourse. Compiled by photographer and architectural tour guide Dmytro Soloviov, the book offers a detailed visual survey of Soviet-era modernist architecture across Ukraine — many of which are now at risk due to neglect, redevelopment, and war.

The volume spans 240 pages and documents over 120 structures, ranging from iconic landmarks such as the Kyiv Crematorium and Salut Hotel to lesser-known sites like the Novoarkhanhelsk Police Station and the Uzhhorod Airport Terminal. These buildings, designed during a time of state-led experimentation in form and function, combine utilitarian purpose with distinct formal and material innovation. While focusing on their distinct architectural elements, Soloviov’s photographs also spotlight the buildings’ monumental mosaics, stained glass, and sculptural reliefs that artfully become integral to the identity of these spaces.

all images by Dmytro Soloviov

Dmytro Soloviov captures the artful details of the architecture

Modernist architecture in Ukraine occupies a complicated position in public consciousness. While some of these buildings have gained recognition for their bold formal language, many remain unlisted and unprotected. Post-Soviet stigma, too, combined with inconsistent heritage policies and commercial pressure, has contributed to their ongoing erosion. The current conflict has only heightened these risks, accelerating the loss of buildings that had already been deteriorating over decades. Dmytro Soloviov thus adopts an approach that is observational rather than romantic to document what remains in his native country. His images present structures in a straightforward visual language that aligns with their intended functionalist ethos.

In Ukrainian Modernism, an introductory essay by architectural critic Owen Hatherley also situates the material in its broader historical context, framing the nation’s modernist architecture as a distinct regional variation shaped by local material conditions, spatial practices, and institutional histories. This combination of rigorous documentation and critical framing positions the publication as the most comprehensive on the subject to date.

Dmytro Soloviov presents Ukrainian Modernism

bringing long-overdue attention to a period of architecture still largely absent from mainstream discourse

the volume documents over 120 structures

these buildings were designed during a time of state-led experimentation in form and function

the photographer’s approach is observational rather than romantic to document what remains in his native country

residential buildings with local folk motifs

Ukrainian Modernism is the most comprehensive publication on the subject to date

moving into ornamental interiors

the book positions the nation’s modernist architecture as a distinct regional variation

published by FUEL

project info:

name: Ukrainian Modernism

photographer: Dmytro Soloviov

publisher: FUEL | @fuelpublishing

distributor: Thames & Hudson / D.A.P.