The Soviet industry had far more limited resources than its Western counterparts, and one of its priorities was to build things made to last. Of course, the results weren't always perfect, and the ghost of Chernobyl manages to sneak into any discussion, but that's not what brings us together today.
A Deeper Attention to Aesthetics
Plants and stations are supposed to be cold, logical, and efficient environments. Yet the designs in some Russian control rooms show a much deeper attention to aesthetics than anyone would initially imagine.
Simply observing a restoration process (of whatever you prefer) reveals that some old designs are simply beautiful, and they also demonstrate remarkable robustness. The classic "if it isn't broken, don't fix it" is highly appreciated in many spaces, and even with updated versions or modern variants, those in charge often think twice before approving major changes.
A good example can be found in the control rooms of many Russian plants, stations, and ships. Some experts might be able to determine what is obsolete and what is viable from the images we're about to see, but one thing is certain: they have a very good appearance.
