The type of dwelling in Russia varies depending on the geographical region and the financial means of the inhabitant. Generally, most of the population lives in multi-family dwellings, such as apartment buildings.
Larger cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, contain more detached single-family homes with larger yards and gardens. There is also a large segment of the population that lives in rural areas, and they typically live in either small single-family homes or communal dwellings known as kommunalki.
These dwellings are made up of multiple small apartments that share a kitchen and bathroom, and many Russians of all means lived in kommunalki for generations. There are also many dormitories for university and college students, as well as workers on temporary contracts.
Finally, there are a strong number of wealthy Russians who can afford to build large custom-made homes.
What is a traditional Russian house?
A traditional Russian house is a type of dwelling that has been established throughout the nation’s history. Russia has a wide variety of regional styles of houses, but traditional Russian homes are usually drawn from two main types – dvorce and izba.
Dvorce, meaning “courtyard”, is the type of house found traditionally in the open, rural areas of Russia and usually feature tall wooden homes with one or more stories and tented roofs. This type of house is usually associated with large families, as the size of the home easily accommodates multiple generations.
The izba, meaning “hut”, is a smaller version of a dvorce and is typically found in smaller Russian towns and villages, including the Russian countryside. Izbass features one-room homes, typically with a highly decorated stove as the primary source of heat and adornments, and are oftentimes associated with smaller families.
Regardless of the type, traditional Russian homes have a common set of features that you can generally expect to find. Many feature at least some timber elements, with some having full log structure walls, and each have earthen floors and porches.
The most iconic elements of these homes, however, are the bright colors and ornamentation. Houses are usually painted in brightly colored reds, blues, greens and yellows and usually feature a highly decorated stove as a centerpiece of the home.
This stove is an incredibly important element of a Russian house since it also acts as a centerpiece of the family’s social life, cooking and heating. Finally, traditional Russian homes usually feature various additional decorations and embellishments, from colorful homemade painted furniture to carpets and other artifacts used to add a lively atmosphere.
What is the average housing in Russia?
The average housing in Russia varies greatly from place to place, depending on the region and city in which you are looking. Generally, however, the most common type of housing in Russia is the panel housing (khrushchyovka), which is commonly found in both urban and rural areas.
These are typically multi-story apartment blocks made of pre-fabricated concrete, where each apartment consists of two or three rooms and a kitchen. This type of housing is the most prevalent in large cities such as Moscow, St.
Petersburg, and Yekaterinburg, and tends to be the most popular choice among families with children due to its affordability. In rural areas, one- or two-story wooden chalets or log homes are also quite common.
In addition, there are also high-end housing developments, luxury residential compounds, and luxury condominiums available in some parts of the country. These are typically in major cities and their suburbs and offer an assortment of amenities, including private security, oceanfront amenities, access to fine dining, theaters, and other entertainment options.
These are usually more expensive than other housing options.
Overall, Russia offers a wide range of housing options, with something for everyone. The cost and quality of housing tend to vary based on the specific region and city in which you are looking.
How do Russian families live?
Russian families tend to be very close knit and have strong, supportive bonds. They often have a strong sense of loyalty and interdependence. Family is the center of most people’s lives and traditional values are still important.
Many Russian families still take the time for weekly family dinners and spend holidays together.
Living arrangements vary depending upon financial ability and location, with most Russian families either having one or two rooms or an entire apartment. Expensive apartments in the city may come with wide variety of amenities such as a washing machine, refrigerator and even satellite or cable television.
In most remote areas, a single room may be all a family possesses, with an outhouse, a shared bathroom and a kitchen, typically shared with another family.
Education is highly valued in Russia and most parents place a huge emphasis on their children’s education. Many parents encourage their children to take additional classes, such as music, languages, and hobbies to supplement their regular school education.
Religion is still a central part of Russian society and the Orthodox Christian faith is still very influential, particularly in rural and remote areas. The vast majority of ceremonies and customs are still guided by traditional Christian and Pagan beliefs.
Overall, Russian families value strong bonds, respect each other and stick together through thick and thin. Celebration is also very important to them, as family gatherings are typically marked by dancing, singing and music.
Why do Russians get divorced?
Russians get divorced for a multitude of reasons, just as people in any other country. Some of the most common reasons that a couple in Russia may choose to end their marriage are communication issues, incompatibility, financial troubles, infidelity, or substance abuse.
It is important to note that the divorce rate in Russia has been steadily increasing since the mid-1990s, which suggests that other factors may be contributing to the dissolution of marriages in the country.
For example, the economic difficulties experienced in Russia during the transition from Communism to a mixed economy may have had a negative effect on the stability of marriages and contributed to divorce.
In addition, social factors such as changes in cultural values, and an emphasis on individualism, consumerism, and materialism, have also been suggested to influence the frequency of divorce. Regardless of the reasons behind it, divorce is increasingly becoming an accepted option for many Russian couples.
What is the lifestyle of Russia?
The lifestyle in Russia is generally very different compared to lifestyles in other countries. Russian culture is very family orientated – strong relationships between family members is an important part of life.
People living in Russia typically live in more densely populated areas, often in apartments.
In the bigger cities, there is usually a more modernised lifestyle, but the majority of the people live in a more traditional way, often with limited access to the modern conveniences that people in other countries enjoy.
Most people still rely on local farmers and markets for their fresh produce, and cooking for a family is a shared responsibility.
Religion is an important part of life in Russia, and Orthodox Christian traditions are widely practiced. Education is also highly valued, and public schools are accessible to all.
Numerous activities and attractions make up a typical lifestyle in Russia including ice skating, going to the theatre, enjoying tea with friends or extended family, or simply going out to explore the country’s parks and monuments.
Many activities are focused around spending time with family and friends and the country’s long and cold winter months provides the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy good company.
How big is the average Russian family?
The average Russian family consists of two to three people, most commonly a married couple with one or two children. The average number has decreased in recent years due to a decreasing fertility rate, as well as increasing divorce rates, and more people choosing to remain single.
This number of people among Russian families has slowly been decreasing since the 1990s due to economic issues, as well as decreased fertility rates. This is in stark contrast to the average family size for many developed countries, with the average family size for the United States, for example, being three to five people.
Are Russian marriages arranged?
No, the majority of Russian marriages are not arranged. The marriages in Russia are completely voluntary and are mostly based on love and mutual respect. Although arranged marriages still exist, they are very rare and mostly happen in rural areas and small villages.
Arranged marriages usually happen when both families of the involved parties agree to the marriage and use family ties (such as an aunt or uncle) to make the match happen. Generally, the families look for a partner with the same social status and education, as well as similar backgrounds.
In recent times, Russian marriages are now mostly based on individual choice and the partners are usually in their late twenties or early thirties rather than teenagers. Of course, the couple must be legally old enough to be wed.
Also, traditionally, the woman’s parents are responsible for providing for the marriage and it is still important for the bride and her family to create a good impression on the groom’s family, as it is part of the “ceremony” of the traditional Russian wedding.
In conclusion, although arranged marriages remain an aspect of Russian culture, the majority of Russian marriages are voluntary and based on love.
How many wives can you have in Russia?
In Russia, a man can have up to four wives. However, this is not legal under the Family Code of Russia, which states that a man cannot be married to more than one woman at a time. Polygamy is illegal and punishable by law.
In some areas, there have been some loopholes which allow men to marry up to four women. For example, in some parts of Dagestan, Polygamy has been practiced as part of the local tradition even if it is illegal.
In some areas, a man can marry up to three women without registering them legally. The fourth wife would need to be legally registered if that tradition is to be followed.
Regardless of loopholes or traditions, it is important to remember that polygamy is not legal in Russia. This means that while a man can have up to four wives, they will not be legally recognized and the man could face legal repercussions should anyone find out.
What are Russian summer homes called?
Russian summer homes, commonly referred to as dachas, refer to small houses or cottages located in the countryside typically used as vacation homes or weekend retreats. Although the exact origin of the practice is unknown, it is believed that the Russian aristocracy began building dachas along the Volga River sometime in the 17th century.
Over time, dacha culture spread throughout the Russian Empire, becoming not only a symbol of wealth and status but also of practicality and utility. Today, dachas remain extremely popular among the Russian population and occupy a special place in Russian culture.
Many families maintain a dacha each year, planting gardens and growing vegetables that can be shared with friends and family. Beyond simply providing a place to relax and spend time with loved ones, dachas also serve as incredibly important spaces for the continuity of traditional Russian culture.
Consequently, dachas remain a essential pastime of Russian life and culture.
What do they call apartments in Russia?
In Russia, apartments are commonly referred to as “Kvartiry”, which is the Russian word for “apartments”. Apartments can also be referred to as “Kommunal’ki”, which is the Russian word for “communal apartments”.
In Russia, some apartments are set up as exclusively communal apartments, while others are subdivided into individual units. Another term for apartments in Russia is “Komnata”, which is the Russian word for “room”.
This term is used to describe a single unit or individual space within a larger apartment complex.
What is Russian architecture called?
Russian architecture is often referred to as “Productionist” architecture, due to its aesthetic and functionalist characteristics. This style emerged during the Soviet era and has heavily influenced Russian architecture ever since.
Productionist architecture focuses on mass production, simplicity, and functionality. Buildings tend to feature a basic, curved facade for which construction costs were minimized, and geometric patterns were used for decorative purposes.
Characteristics also include statues and sculptures, as well as mosaics and murals that often incorporate Communist symbols or ideals. Traditional Russian elements such as onion domes and onion towers can also be found in many Russian buildings, but are often seen in distinct shapes and forms compared to their Byzantine origins.
Productionist architecture has often been compared to Constructivism, but the two styles are distinct. Other Russian architecture styles include Neoclassicism, Imperial Romanov styles, Constructivism, Stalinist Gothic, Postmodernist and Brutalist.
Modern Russian architecture is an eclectic mix of both traditional and new, often combining Eastern European, Eurasian and Western styles.
Why is Brutalism called Brutalism?
Brutalism is a style of modern architecture that often features stark geometric designs and unusual, bold materials such as exposed concrete. It’s a style that gained attention in the 1950s, and it’s notable as a movement that often rejected traditional ideas of beauty, instead focusing on other factors such as functionality and cost.
The term “Brutalism” comes from the French béton brut, which translates literally as “raw concrete”. This is a reference to the fact that Brutalist buildings often make use of bare, unpolished concrete, exposing the material’s grainy texture.
The name is also believed to hint at a sort of rawness or brutal honesty to the style, as it often speaks to a stripped-back or industrial aesthetic.
The stark, heavy visual of these buildings often carries political and social connotations. For this reason, sometimes the term “Brutalism” is used with a capital “B” in order to speak to this larger idea – and emphasize the social, political and sometimes even unapologetic impact of the style.
What is Soviet brutalism?
Soviet brutalism, also known as late Soviet modernism, is a style of architecture developed in the Soviet Union in the 1950s and 1960s. Characterised by its use of bold, massive forms and assertive geometric shapes, it is a highly visible and recognisable style of architecture.
The term brutalism originates from the French phrase ‘béton brut’, which literally translates as ‘raw concrete’, referring to the unrefined and unfinished appearance of the buildings.
The style was first developed as part of the post-World War II rebuilding effort in the Soviet Union. Driven by the need for quick and efficient construction in quickly expanding cities, Soviet brutalism favoured the use of plain materials, such as concrete, metal and glass.
Large, imposing blocks with reinforced concrete construction and repetitive, geometric forms characterise Soviet brutalism. Its eclecticism can be seen in the use of modern, International-style silhouettes, traditional Russian features, such as onion domes, and even elements taken from other architectural styles such as Constructivism.
At its height, the style was widely used in public and residential buildings, schools, hospitals, universities and other municipal buildings throughout the Soviet Union, but particularly in the simpler, less affluent areas.
Nowadays Soviet brutalism is seen in numerous places across the world, from Finland to Bulgaria, providing a reminder of the Soviet era.
What kind of architecture is in Moscow?
Moscow is a city with a rich architectural history, which includes a variety of different styles. The architectural styles visible in the city range from Medieval and Baroque to Neoclassical and Stalinist styles.
The most iconic landmarks in Moscow are the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Moscow is also home to other Gothic and Romanesque structures, churches, ancient monasteries and cathedrals.
The largest and oldest district of Moscow is indeed the Kremlin, in the heart of the city. It is a majestic fortress, built during the 15th century, with several churches, museums, government buildings and other impressive structures, most notably the Patriarch’s Palace and the Terem Palace.
Another area of the city with a significant architectural history is the Kitay Gorod district of Moscow. This area is home to a variety of Baroque buildings and pre-revolutionary streets, while modern buildings can also be seen, especially around Moscow State University.
In recent times, Moscow has also seen a transformation due to several international architectural projects, with modern towers and unique buildings appearing in the city. Some of these are the Federation Towers, Eurasia Tower, Moscow City International and the newly-constructed Zaryadye Park.
