Russian Utopia: a depository

Lenin Mausoleum (motto: On the way)
Ion A. Lenin Mausoleum (motto: On the way) 1925

RACDMH

The monument constitutes a building that is linearly symmetrical through the main entrance. Its plan is adjusted to the outlines of a 5-pointed star. Its middle section is cylindrical and covered by a hemispherical cupola with the raised point of the 5-pointed star. Under the cupola is located a light gallery to illuminate the interior of the building. From the exterior of the cylindrical section abut 5 rounded protuberances and between them the same number of small rectangular towers with separate ceilings. The whole building is surrounded by galleries for the use of the public awaiting entry to the Mausoleum, with an open amphitheatrical rostrum with a separate pulpit for the orator turned toward the square. The whole building is based on a horizontal platform with an insignificant slope to its surrounding walls, the difference in heights of which being regulated by an artificial raising of the area’s level (judging by the profile, somewhere in the range of 1 metre). The longest linear length og the occupied area under the building is around 22 sazhens and area under construction totals approximately 380 sq sazhens. It is proposed that in front of the entrance on a designated platform should be erected a large full-length bronze figure of V.I. Lenin at twice life-size.
The tomb is located in the centre of the premises and surrounded by a colonnade that projects through the two floors above. The inner section between the columns remains open and serves as an opening for light into the mausoleum. The remaining section, from the columns to the walls with, between the floors, ceilings laid across cross-vaultings, serves as lobbies for the two upper floors…In this way, the mausoleum building is open in its middle section up to the covering cupola, and should be reached by a sufficient amount of natural light from the gallery, and the lobbies and apertures of the stairwells directly adjoining the mausoleum. There are two staircases - one for the entrance and one for the exit, both joined at the main hall, and also with the galleries for those waiting, so it is possible to go round the mausoleum bypassing the main hall with a separate entrance and exit through the main antechamber, allowing passage into the mausoleum in one direction. By each staircase is located a small premises for staff on duty.

Utopia Foundation, Moscow




		`Ion A. Lenin Mausoleum (motto: On the way) 1925` RACDMH The monument constitutes a building that is linearly symmetrical through the main entrance. Its plan is adjusted to the outlines of a 5-pointed star. Its middle section is cylindrical and covered by a hemispherical cupola with the raised point of the 5-pointed star. Under the cupola is located a light gallery to illuminate the interior of the building. From the exterior of the cylindrical section abut 5 rounded protuberances and between them the same number of small rectangular towers with separate ceilings. The whole building is surrounded by galleries for the use of the public awaiting entry to the Mausoleum, with an open amphitheatrical rostrum with a separate pulpit for the orator turned toward the square. The whole building is based on a horizontal platform with an insignificant slope to its surrounding walls, the difference in heights of which being regulated by an artificial raising of the area’s level (judging by the profile, somewhere in the range of 1 metre). The longest linear length og the occupied area under the building is around 22 sazhens and area under construction totals approximately 380 sq sazhens. It is proposed that in front of the entrance on a designated platform should be erected a large full-length bronze figure of V.I. Lenin at twice life-size. The tomb is located in the centre of the premises and surrounded by a colonnade that projects through the two floors above. The inner section between the columns remains open and serves as an opening for light into the mausoleum. The remaining section, from the columns to the walls with, between the floors, ceilings laid across cross-vaultings, serves as lobbies for the two upper floors…In this way, the mausoleum building is open in its middle section up to the covering cupola, and should be reached by a sufficient amount of natural light from the gallery, and the lobbies and apertures of the stairwells directly adjoining the mausoleum. There are two staircases - one for the entrance and one for the exit, both joined at the main hall, and also with the galleries for those waiting, so it is possible to go round the mausoleum bypassing the main hall with a separate entrance and exit through the main antechamber, allowing passage into the mausoleum in one direction. By each staircase is located a small premises for staff on duty.