The Architecture of Communism: Architecture’s Ability to Implement Communist Ideology in Poland - 1945-1989 Part 2 Dissertation 2020 Ami Coulter University of Strathclyde | UK ‘The Architecture of Communism’ is a commentary on the architecture of Poland erected between 1945 – 1989. Following studying in the Czech Republic on an Erasmus exchange and exploring the surrounding countries, the architecture felt almost familiar, and steeped in history. It was something that I endeavoured to understand upon returning home.The capacity for buildings to embody a political power or ideology is explored through various theoretical approaches. Styles of Socialist Realism and Soviet Modernism are discussed, then case study buildings are introduced. This approach serves to showcase the similarities and differences between the styles and buildings, to define if there is a design element which leads to the assumption that a building built during the Soviet occupation of Poland, is Communist by design.Ultimately, the capacity of Poland’s architecture to be Communist is evaluated and the question is posed, should these buildings fit into the contemporary Polish city? Architectural academics and specialists from across Europe are consulted. A conclusion is reached as to the capability of this architecture to implement political ideology, and a provocation made as to the future of Communist era architecture: before it is consigned to history, along with the past regime. Ami Coulter Tutor(s) Ashraf Salama