Ivan Leonidov

Architect. Born in the family of a forester called Ilya Leonidov in the village of Vlasikha in Tver Province (1902). Studied at a school of art in Tver (1919). Graduated from the VKhUTEMAS, where his degree project was the Lenin Library in Moscow (1927). Leading member of the Constructivist movement (1920s). Taught at the VKhUTEIN. Worked at the Giprogor Institute (1931), Mosproject (1932–33) and the architectural studio of the People’s Commissariat of Heavy Industry (1934). Took part in competitions to design a new type of Socialist club, House of Industry, House of Central Union in Moscow (1928), Christopher Columbus Memorial Lighthouse in Santo Domingo (1929), Proletarian District Palace of Culture in Moscow (1930) and the People’s Commissariat of Heavy Industry on Red Square (1934). Only implemented design was the staircase at the Sergo Ordzhonikidze Sanatorium in Kislovodsk (1937–38). Designed the City of the Sun series of projects (1950s). Died in Moscow (1959).