Associate Professor
The University of Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
n.laghidze@ug.edu.ge 

“Socialist Realism in the Work of Architect Giorgi Chakhava”

This paper focuses on the early architectural and creative activity of the distinguished Georgian architect Giorgi (Gogi) Chakhava. His career began in the post-World War II period, when architecture still relied on pre-war methods, strictly limiting the diversity of post-constructivist approaches.

The destruction caused by the war created new needs in the Soviet republics, gradually giving prominence to socialist realism in architecture. Due to its propagandistic function, Soviet architecture was expected to be simple in form, clear in content, mass-culture oriented, and simultaneously monumental and inspiring.

The study examines Chakhava’s work from 1945 to 1960, encompassing significant projects in Georgia and other Soviet cities. It employs source-based and monographic methods, analyzing archival materials (documents, plans, photographs), press from 1920-1950, and relevant scholarly literature.

Conclusion: The characteristics of Soviet architecture were shaped by political directives and a uniform architectural style across the USSR, with differences reflected only in national features. Research on Giorgi Chakhava’s work provides insight into both the development trajectory of Georgian Soviet architecture and its place within the broader Soviet context. Although the artistic aspects of socialist architecture may be debatable, its role in shaping urban structures was highly significant.

Keywords: political context of architecture, socialist realism, architectural style, Soviet architecture, urban structure