Galina Balashova. Architect of the Soviet Space Programme

This monograph on the work of the Russian architect Galina Balashova presents a unique collection of designs for Soviet cosmonautics. These include plans and engineering drawings for Soyuz capsules and the space stations Salyut and Mir. Balashova­ acted as a consultant to the Buran programme, the Soviet counterpart to the American Space Shuttle. Striving for harmony and beauty, the architect strikes an emotional chord in the high-tech world of carrier rockets, laboratories and survival equipment. It is therefore due to Balashova's talent that a unique chapter has been added to Soviet architectural history: Architecture for Cosmonautics. Her exceptional achievements, including designs for medals and emblems, are still scarcely known today - even in Russia.