Published on: 2026-07-22
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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Participants of the summer restoration school
The International Scientific and Educational Summer School of Restoration “Our Vyra” has concluded at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
For two weeks, more than 20 participants from Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan familiarized themselves with cultural heritage sites of Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Region, visited active restoration sites, and developed their own concepts for preserving the historical area of Vyrskaya Manor, associated with the life and work of Vladimir Nabokov.
As told by the school principal, head of the Department of Architectural and Urban Heritage at SPbGASU, candidate of architecture, associate professor Nadezhda Akulova, the main task for the participants was not just to get acquainted with architectural monuments, but to learn how to identify the historical and cultural values of the territory and to propose modern approaches to their preservation.
“The main task was to immerse ourselves in unexplored territory, identify its value characteristics, and on that basis propose a concept for preservation and development. Each team came up with its own vision, and all the projects turned out to be completely different.”
During the sessions, students communicated with restoration architects, representatives of heritage protection authorities, public organizations, and users of historic buildings. In addition to work in the Rozhdestveno estate complex, where the students conducted topographical surveys and measured the preserved estate structures, the summer school program included visits to the workshops of the International Restoration Center, excursions to sites in Saint Petersburg and the surrounding region. In particular, trips were organized to Vyborg — to Monrepo Park and to Ivangorod, where young restorers examined the Ivangorod Fortress (15th – 18th centuries) and the historic industrial complex ‘Parusinka’ from the 19th century — one of the most valuable objects of industrial heritage of Northwest Russia.
“These field trips are not just tours, but a full-fledged part of the educational process. Working directly on cultural heritage sites allows one to get acquainted with the features of historical constructions, study the specifics of restoration work, discuss professional issues with industry experts and museum staff, as well as gain practical experience that cannot be obtained only in a classroom,” noted Nadezhda Akulova.
The organizers paid special attention to interuniversity and international cooperation. Students from SPbGASU, Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering, Saint Petersburg Architectural and Construction College (SPASK), as well as representatives from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan took part in the school.
At the end of the school, four mixed teams presented development projects for the Vyrskaya Manor territory. Among the proposals were ecological routes, new public spaces, tourist scenarios, and concepts based on the creative heritage of Vladimir Nabokov. Specifically, the project proposals included an aerial eco-trail, bike paths, and tennis courts (Nabokov family’s favorite hobbies), small architectural forms expressing the writer’s synesthesia — the ability to see color, feel the taste and texture of each letter. It was proposed to make a souvenir shop in the glacier and a restaurant, scientific or information center in the greenhouse.
At the same time, the organizers fundamentally refused to allocate prize places.
“We do not single out winners. For us, the main thing is feedback, the ability to defend your idea, and to learn how to argue it professionally. This is a school, so learning is what matters here.” According to Nadezhda Akulova, each summer school is unique because it is dedicated to different cultural heritage sites and allows students to get acquainted with new approaches to restoration.
As noted by the director of the International Restoration Center Tatyana Chernyaeva:
“The main task of the summer restoration school is to give students a taste of the profession. To find themselves, like Nabokov on the oak alley.”
Already in August, SPbGASU will hold the second International Summer School of Restoration — “Heritage of Vyborg and Rostov-on-Don”.
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