The methodology of design culture based on Vladimir Tatlin's constructivism

Contemporary design faces an identity crisis, largely stemming from the dominance of commercial models that sideline issues of social responsibility and sustainable development. The aim of this work is to critically analyze key scholarly publications from the last decade (2015–2025) dedicated to reinterpreting V. Tatlin's constructivism. The study seeks to determine the contribution of these works to developing design culture methodology as a holistic, integrating system. The research is theoretical and analytical in nature. Its methodological foundation is a literature review, including analysis of articles in Scopus and RSCI databases, monographs, and materials from significant exhibitions during the specified period. To deepen the understanding of Tatlin's legacy, a comparative analysis of different interpretations was applied. The interpretation of the heritage was conducted through a philosophical-cultural approach and critical reflection by contemporary authors. The analytical work focused on identifying prevailing trends, existing gaps in the study of the topic, and the specifics of how Tatlin's ideas are transforming in modern contexts. The study's results confirm the viability of Tatlin's methodology, conceptualized as an "open system." The research also identified and systematized key contradictions associated with Tatlin's legacy. The main conclusions emphasize that his heritage retains its status as an important conceptual foundation for overcoming the identity crisis in design, offering a substantive alternative. The dialectical nature of the legacy's relevance lies in its capacity to fuel criticism of commercialization and stimulate ethical discourses in design, while simultaneously entering into inevitable conflict with market realities due to its utopian essence. Promising directions for research include: in-depth study of applying functional principles in infographics; critical analysis of implemented public space projects; and the search for practical pathways to bridge the gap between the anti-commercial ethos of Tatlin's legacy and the economic realities of contemporary design practice.

constructivism, Vladimir Tatlin, design methodology, utilitarianism, social functionalism, avant-garde architecture, social responsibility, sustainable design, inclusive environment, ethical design