Along with urban planning and architecture design played a central role in shaping the
socialist future. On both sides of the Iron Curtain it was above all the issue of housing that
became the yardstick of the successful implementation of visions of a better world. Beginning
in Berlin with its early housing exhibitions which took place in an atmosphere that was shaped
by political rivalry and the pathos of progress this publication focuses on the (post-)Soviet
satellite states. It explores the socio-political dimension of housing and the role of design
between utopia power and gender discourses. In their texts 25 experts from around the world
present different designs and interiors. They cover a wide range of objects from kitchen
utensils to space rockets. The book thus makes a significant contribution to the current
discourse on (post-)socialist design which is gaining increasing academic attention especially
internationally. For the first time authors originating from the various (post-)Soviet
countries have worked together on a publication: it fills an important lacuna in the study of
the history of design.
