blokoshka modernist architectural matryoshka blocks by zupagrafika

blokoshka modernist architectural matryoshka blocks by zupagrafika
all images courtesy of zupagrafika

in the devastation following world war II european cities were left in dire of housing. this was undertaken as quickly as possible, and with resources little-to-none, as cheaply and efficiently as well. spanning from the 40’s to the 80’s, these ‘house factories’ shaped the landscape and lives of those in the post-war urban environment.

fold-out and instruction panel

thanks in part to prefabrication technology entire districts could be built quickly from scratch. these areas became tangible representations of modernist ideals such as open spaces, minimalist design, and social egalitarianism. polish studio zupagrafika, led by david navarro and martyna sobecka, pay homage to the modernist structures of the time with ‘blokoshka’ nesting blocks.

composed of four pre-cut and pre-folded blocks made of recycled cardboard, the architectural matryoshka can be assembled without glue or scissors, and fit perfectly within one another. structures included are the ‘sleeping districts’ of moscow, plattenbau constructions of east berlin, warsaw estates built over the ruins of the old ghetto, and the panelak blocks of prague. 

the set includes four distinct buildings from the post-war era 

‘blokoshka’

fold detail 

nesting 

the structures are printed on recycled cardboard

smallest nesting block 

the four piece set was designed by polish studio zupagrafika 

building detail 

‘blokoshka’ by zupagrafika

project poster

click above to see ‘blokoshka’ on the designboomshop!

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom