How did the Sokol settlement get its unique name? There are a few interesting theories. Let’s explore the story behind this fascinating place and its sculptures.
The Sokol settlement in Moscow is known as the artists’ settlement. It was the first cooperative residential area in Moscow. Sokol was founded in 1923. It embodies the garden city concept. Since 1979, the settlement has been under state protection as a monument to urban development.
Architects designed Sokol using the garden city concept. Ebenezer Howard, a British architect, proposed the idea of a settlement combining city and village features in 1898. A similar garden city project was planned for Khodynka Field in Moscow as early as 1903. Events from 1914 to 1917 prevented its realization.
Vladimir Lenin signed a decree on cooperative housing construction on August 8, 1921. The decree granted cooperative associations the right to develop city plots. Moscow needed housing at that time. Authorities allocated very little money for construction.
The Sokol housing cooperative was formed in March 1923. The first meeting was held on April 11. Members included employees of people’s commissariats, economists, and artists. Teachers, agronomists, technical intelligentsia, and workers also joined. Vasily Sakharov, chairman of the Vsekohudozhnik trade union, became the first chairman.
The cooperative leased land near the village of Vsekhsvyatskoye. The area covered 49 dessiatines. The obligation was to build 200 houses in 7 years. Construction began in the fall of 1923.
Shareholders gained the right to use the living space for 35 years. Joining cost 10.5 gold chervonets. Allocating a plot cost 30. Starting construction cost 20. The total cost of a cottage was 600 chervonets, paid over several years. These prices were fairly high.
The origin of Sokol’s name is debated. The most common version says it was planned in Sokolniki. That is why the name. There was even a seal with a falcon holding a house. Plans changed, allocating land near Vsekhsvyatskoye. The cooperative kept its name.
Another version says the settlement was named after A. I. Sokol. He was an agronomist and livestock breeder. He lived here and bred pedigree pigs. Yet another version claims the name came from a plastering tool. The tool was called the plastering falcon.
Nikolai Markovnikov, the Vesnin brothers, and others designed the settlement. They used non-standard spatial solutions for the streets. The houses were built according to individual projects. Construction was mainly completed by the early 1930s. A total of 114 houses were built. They had all the amenities.
Two grocery stores were built. The partnership opened a library and canteen. Two sports grounds were built. A park was laid out on Levitan Street. In 1927, a kindergarten opened. Its staff included one teacher. Mothers took turns working.
By preserving Sokol and its sculptures, we honor the visionaries. They sought to blend urban convenience with rural charm. This unique settlement remains a testament to innovative design. It shows community spirit in Moscow’s history.