Workers of the world, relax! The Zuev Workers’ Club building in downtown Moscow was the epitome of Constructivist cool when it opened way back in 1929.

Hipster-sky Hangout

And it’s still plenty chill right now! Indeed, this well-preserved and still fully-functional relic of the Soviet Union’s heady early years would still invoke double-takes – in a good way – should an architectural clone be unveiled today.

Credit Russian architect Ilya Golosov (1883–1945) with penning the Zuev Workers’ Club’s timeless design. By the mid-1920s Golosov was at the height of his fame, and had been hailed by fellow architects as the leading light of Constructionism. The Zuev Workers’ Club not only cemented Golosov’s place in the annals of Soviet architecture, the building itself (shown above in the early 1930s) has outlived its designer by over 70 years and counting!

Glass Struggle

The Zuev Workers’ Club is located at 18 Lesnaya Street in Moscow’s Central Administrative Okrug – a prime location at the time of its building, and even more so today. Kudos to Moscow city authorities for recognizing the structure’s historical value and for resisting the urge to replace it with a more modern development that could never match the Zuev Workers’ Club’s intrinsic character.

Lenin Tower

Golosov’s original design approved in 1926 was conceived in response to tenders for “proletarian leisure centers”. The basic concept of these clubs was rooted in Marxist-Leninist theories that glorified the working class and sought to reward industrial workers “used and abused” by the capitalist bourgeoisie in the Czarist era. Though Stalinism and the pressures of the Great Patriotic War (aka World War II) would conspire to take the bloom off that rose, the decade following the October Revolution offered a brief window through which some of communism’s more esoteric dreams could become reality.

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Constructivist Cool Moscows Zuev Workers Club

A whole new smart city is set to begin construction west of Moscow, Russia, and Zaha Hadid Architects has been selected to help design it. The firm’s proposal is a phased development prioritizing residential interactions with each other, nature and new technologies, creating “a diverse ecology” of spaces for living, working, education and leisure. The Rublyovo-Arkhangelskoke masterplan aims to be a global benchmark for smart, sustainable cities, incorporating smart tech to increase quality of life.

Zaha Hadid Architects worked with Russia-based TPO Pride Architects to realize a segment of the overall project (alongside fellow winners Nikken Sekkei, UNK Project, Archea Associate and ABD Architects.) Developed in response to a rapidly growing population population in Moscow, the new city will feature 4 million square meters (more than 43 million square feet) of new buildings spread over 1,137 acres.

Much of that land will be dedicated to parks and forests along the Moscow River, and the city will have a 74-acre lake at its center. It’s expected to house 66,500 residents and include everything you’d expect to find in a modern metropolis: hospitals, schools, offices and shopping districts. A metro line will link it to Moscow.

In terms of design, Zaha Hadid Architects’ renderings are certainly standouts with their signature organic shapes and looping ribbons stretching from the rooflines down to the ground.

From the Rublyovo-Arkhangelskoye development website:

“The Zaha Hadid Architects team, in a consortium with CPU Pride, proposed a global project idea: a town whose mission is to develop creativity and entrepreneurship. The team proposed to define the ‘cores’ of the area by building additional objects of public infrastructure, such as art residences (cultural core), a laboratory of urban solutions (intellectual core), year-round public spaces (spatial core), and also proposed a number of iconic objects on the central square with the firm’s trademark style—bionic and parametric architecture. The concept’s slogan is ‘satellite town’. Members of the jury noted that it was the first time they were seeing a concept from this firm, in which everything starts from people, rather than a concept dedicated to ‘pure architecture.’”

“Working with specialist teams in Russia and Europe, we developed a people-centric design for a smart interconnected city that brings people together not only through innovative technology but also through organizing the public realm; building a community that integrates the natural aspects of the site with principles of openness and inclusivity in high quality architecture suited for the 21st century,” says Christos Passas, Project Director at Zaha Hadid Architects.

For getting things done: a static, serious and refined work space is shared by the siblings. For everything else: there is a playful flexibility to be found in movable modules, hanging hammocks, cozy nooks and hidden ladders.

Designed by Ruetemple for a family in Moscow, Russia, this children-centric interior balances the need for serious engagement with studies and self-determination outside of school-related activity (plus perhaps lessons in sharing and diplomacy all around).

On the main level, across from the work zone with its ergonomic chairs and built-in shelves, is a three-piece system of modular parts – set apart visually via the use of darker wood.

The constituent elements can be spun and situated on demand, turned into a hangout space, living room or bedroom (or whatever else the kids can come up with, for that matter).

Upstairs under a slanted roof are nooks for sleeping, reading and storage that can be made into more private bedrooms, again allowing freedom for self-determination in terms of sleeping arrangements.

The hammock is naturally a permeable mesh, and allows light to pass from one level to the next while also making use of what would otherwise be lost potential floor space.

On the hunt for Red October? Then get your taste buds to Moscow and the iconic red brick Red October Chocolate Factory, where top quality confectionery packaged in jewel-like wrappers have been giving Russians sugar rushes for nearly 150 years.

The East Is… Brown?

(image via: Strelka Institute)

Russia’s iconic Red October chocolate factory has been a fixture of downtown Moscow for generations. Surviving – even thriving – through war, revolution and heavy-handed Soviet city planning, the factory’s red brick walls and steaming chimneys span the century between old Czarist Russia and the new, post-communist Russian Federation.

(images via: PagetBaker and Wien International)

As mighty oaks grow from tiny acorns, today’s Red October (in Russian, “Krasny Oktyabr”) chocolate factory started small. It all began back in 1851 when German immigrant Teodore Ferdinand von Einem (above, lower right) arrived in Moscow. After opening a small confectionery shop in Moscow’s Teatralnaya Square and noting his products met with Muscovites’ approval, von Einem partnered with fellow German Julius Heuss who suggested a production facility on the Sofiyskaya Embankment of the Moscow River.

(images via: Master Margarita and Wien International)

The earliest record of the enterprise was recorded in the Factories and Plants of the Russian Empire directory as: “Einem. Partnership of steam factory for chocolate and tea cookies. Year of foundation is 1867.” Time passed and von Einem sold his interest in the enterprise to Heuss, but the latter continued to employ the founder’s ideas, methods and name.

(image via: Strelka Institute)

By 1913 the factory was providing chocolates and sweets to the Czar and his family. Zeppelins crisscrossed the sky over Moscow, advertising the company’s products. The factory on the banks of the Moscow River gradually expanded to include a worker’s hostel while additional buildings connected by covered walkways sprung up to cover much of the 15-acre site. Things were rolling along… what could go wrong?

In Soviet Russia, Chocolate Bar YOU!

(images via: Tom Stellmach and Russia IC)

World War I, the Russian Revolution and the execution of your most notable customer (and his family), that’s what could go wrong. In 1918 the company was seized by the government of the shiny new Soviet Union and renamed “State Confectionery Factory Number One, previously Einem.” Thinking the name was overly bland and cumbersome, the title was further changed to “Red October” in 1922.

(image via: Bearsac)

The Soviet government may have been doctrinaire but they weren’t dummies: funding was provided to import new machinery was from Europe and the product range was expanded to include brand names that are still produced today, such as Southern Nights and Stumbling Bear. By the 1930s, the Red October chocolate factory was producing top quality, exquisitely packaged sweets and candy at the rate of 60,000 tons annually.

(images via: Chocolatewrappers.info and ninaKay)

World War II (the “Great Patriotic War”) saw the factory switch over to mass-produced military rations, including high-caffeine “Kola” chocolate made expressly for air force pilots and submarine crews. The factory was awarded the honorary Challenge Banner seven times by the State Defense Committee.

Cold War, Hot Chocolate

(images via: World Architecture News, Tom Stellmach and Artinfo)

With the war over and reconstruction a priority, the Red October chocolate factory got right back to doing what it was famous for: making world-famous candy and chocolate and by doing so, showing the world that life in Soviet Russia wasn’t all gloom and doom. A generation of Muscovites retain fond memories of warm, sweet-scented breezes wafting from the factory’s many ventilation pipes.

(images via: Radio Free Europe and Proxypro)

As time went by, government-funded investment in training, testing and technology saw the factory become a proving ground where the latest innovations in confectionery were perfected. Integrated mechanized production lines for hard-boiled sweets and toffee were set up, allowing the Red October brand to expand its considerable footprint on sweet-tooth’s palates.

(images via: The Independent UK and Mikhail Tsypkin)

A series of large-scale modifications to the Red October chocolate factory’s main production complex conducted in the mid-1960s saw additional floors being added to the larger buildings. These additions resulted in the factory complex’s current, layer-cake-like appearance.

Yeah Baby!!

(images via: CreativeRoots)

The year 1966 is a momentous one in the long history of the Red October chocolate factory, as it was the year in which the face of the company made it’s – her, actually – first appearance. “Alenka” (or “Alyonka”, Russian for “Helen”) is a little girl who wears a multicolored kerchief around her ahead and an innocent look on her face.

(images via: PopSop and Moscow Russia Insider’s Guide)

Though her origin isn’t completely clear, most versions state that Alenka was modeled on the young daughter of an artist working in the company’s advertising division. There was even a court case in the year 2000 in which a woman named Yelena Gerinas sued the Red October chocolate factory, claiming that she was the model for Alenka and had never been compensated for the use of her likeness. Regardless, the image of Alenka today symbolizes both excellent chocolate and, for many Russians, a time when their country was one of the world’s great superpowers.

(images via: Passport Moscow)

Besides the original milk chocolate bar, the image of Alenka has appeared on a vast variety of Red October chocolates, candies and confections ranging in size from bite-size truffles to massive, jumbo chocolate bars popular in Europe.

(image via: Alyonka Mail Art Project)

Artist and media mover & shaker Ivan Zemtsov set out to celebrate Alenka’s 40thh birthday by setting up the Alyonka Mail Art Project, in which participants would compose original artwork featuring Alenka’s iconic visage. The first “Alyonka” show was presented to public in Yoshkar-Ola Museum of Fine Arts in October 2006. Some of the works are shown above.

(images via: The Faster Times, Maxim Zhukov and Regia Richest)

When the Red October chocolate factory ceased operations at its central Moscow location in 2007, several proposals were put forth with the intention of converting the main buildings into high-priced apartments and lofts. The 2008-09 world financial crisis put the kibosh on those plans, perhaps thankfully, and the premises now houses a museum celebrating Red October’s wealth of history as well as hosting art shows and media events.

(image via: National Geographic)

As for the Red October chocolate factory, it’s moved to a spanking new 48,000 square meter (516,685 sq ft) facility in Moscow’s hinterlands. The new factory maintains the company’s long and lustrous reputation by manufacturing 30 different types of chocolate and confectionery while employing 19,000 workers… and undoubtedly perfuming the suburban air for a whole new generation of Russians to appreciate.

Most people that love to travel, especially families, tend to explore the wonders of the world during daytime. Unfortunately for these travelers, they miss out on the complete transformation that occurs in these cities once the sun is gone. If you thought these places were glorious during the day, wait till you see them at night.

Tokyo, Japan

(source: altus)

Did you know that the greater Tokyo area is one of the most densely populated urban areas of the world? Located on the southeastern part of the Honshu Island, the extremely industrialized metropolitan center is home to approximately 33 million people and a unique cultural heritage that should be experienced by all. For foreign tourists wanting to experience the wilder side of Tokyo’s nightlife, it’s probably best to visit Roppongi, also known as Tokyo’s den of sin. The area is densely populated with clubs and bars and English is spoken widely.

London, England

(source: kayodeok)

London has a history spanning nearly 2,000 years. At 620 square miles and home to 13.9 million people (metropolitan) the capital of England is not only the largest city in England and in Europe, but is also the ninth largest city in the world.London was made by the merging of two ancient cities, the City of London, and the City of Westminster, which are collectively known as Greater London. London offers a plethora of activities for tourists at night and is especially known for the nighttime tours of the city that cover 20 of its most popular locations.

New York City, USA

(source: chanc)

Home to the first ever American chess tournament in 1843, New York City has become the most populous city in the US and ranks at number three among the world’s most populous urban areas (based on 2008 projections). The city not only has extensive financial and commercial influence but is also known for its cultural influence and significance. New York City is nothing if not “chock full of sinful delirium”. Known as the hub of the Jazz world, the city offers a vibrant experience that never fails to amaze. Just don’t expect to get much sleep.

Paris, France

(sources: koninho, thepretender, magda_lates)

Paris has long been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, its landmarks and cultural sites attracting over 30 million foreign visitors a year. Thanks mostly to its flourishing tourism industry, the Paris region was responsible for 25% of the GDP of all of France in 2007, netting more than $731 billion. The city also hosts numerous conferences and conventions every year. At night in Paris, they say, all your dreams come true.

Moscow, Russian Federation

(sources: serjio, zso, eltsdi)

The capital and the largest city in the Russian Federation has an unparalleled ability to reinvent itself every few decades. Due to the fragmented nature of the country, and Moscow’s eastern-European leanings (as opposed to the country’s Eurasian nature), the city is the political, economic, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of the country. At 74, the city has more billionaires than any city in the world. New York City by comparison, has 71, three less than Moscow. No city gives you more opportunities at night than Moscow. There are the usual clubs, bars, lounges, etc., but there is also 24-hour shopping, casinos, billiards rooms, restaurants, city tours by night, and more. Just be careful though, the city can be dangerous at night, especially for dark-skinned foreigners.

Madrid, Spain

(sources: cmedrang)

Madrid’s beauty lies in its decision to retain the look and feel of the city’s historical neighborhoods and streets. Geographically, Madrid is Europe’s highest capital at 2,100 ft. The city is also one of the most popular European destination for museums, nightlife, and the largest bullring in Spain with a capacity of almost 25,000 people. A night in Madrid is best spent listening to music, whether at a concert or in a park, the sounds of the city always create a pleasant mood for a night out.

Athens, Greece

(sources: saturnia_pyri, marcelgermain)

Like Madrid, Athens hasn’t forgotten its phenomenal cultural heritage from the classical city-state of Athens. This is evident in the numerous works of art, monuments, and other historical landmarks carefully restored and maintained throughout the city. Athens hosted the first ever modern Olympics in 1896, and then again in 2004. Though not as exciting as New York or Moscow, Athens is an absolute wonder to behold at night. The monuments come alive, the city sheds one image (seen during the day) and absolutely transforms itself for the night.

Beijing, China

(sources: cavenli2008, reginayiqing)

Often recognized as one of the greatest cities in the world, Beijing is one of the rare instances in which a city has managed to remain the political and cultural center of a country as immense and diverse as China for so many centuries. Also one of the most misunderstood cities in the world, Beijing has two conflicting sides to its history, one is beautiful and the other bloody. Fast developing a taste for the night, Beijing wasn’t always as happening as it is today.

Note: Some images were removed to improve the accuracy of the collection.