Signs of a Totalitarian System in Architecture of Socialist Realism

Abstract

Abstract. The presented article deals generally with the use of architecture to the propagation of the ideas and the use of structure of space for propagation of power influences of one group at the expense of another group. The use of architecture to the propagation of ideology lies in the tendency to shape ideologically acceptable space. Space is shaped so the world should be seen in accordance to the ideology and not to the reality. Architectural styles are specific for certain communities that are separated by land, culture, and time. Morphology is associated in architecture with a certain cultural epoch. The article focuses on the use of architecture in propaganda of one totalitarian system -socialist realism, which is typical in the Czech cultural environment in 1948 -1958. The architecture of socialist realism should promote sociability of people. The aim was to demonstrate the power of unity of collective and nothingness of human individuality. A few examples of basic elements and characters in the architecture of real socialism in Ostrava are mentioned in the conclusion of the article.