- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 12 August 1967
- Country: Russia & USSR
The People’s Architect of the USSR Medal (or Медаль Народный архитектор СССР, Narodnyj architektor SSSR in Russian) was established on 12 August 1967 by Leonid Brezhnev and awarded for stunning results either in urban planning or in the design of important buildings.
The honorary title was granted to architects of the Soviet Union and bestowed by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR owing proposals addressed by the State Construction Committee or by the Soviet Architects’ Union. The Supreme Soviet had the ability to refuse these designations.
A diploma was given to those who were appointed jointly with the medal and its concerning certificate. The title was bestowed to architects who had achieved stunning results in Soviet architecture’s development either applying their expertise and creativity to urban planning or to the design of important building compounds for civil, industrial, or rural use.
Following the Dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1990, the title of Meritorious Architect of the Russian Federation was created by a decree of the Russian presidency.
The People’s Architect of the USSR Medal Design
The medal was made of tombac and its shape was quadrangular with twisted corners. It measures 22.5 by 23.5 mm.
The central part is occupied by the inscription “Народный архитектор СССР” and, below, the hammer and sickle symbol. Both the symbol and inscription are embossed, with convex letters.
The medal is suspended to a single red silk fringe measuring 18 mm by 21 mm with an attached metallic buckle decorated with bay laurel leaves.
