Published on: 2026-09-07
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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At the end of August, an open discussion “How to Preserve Historical Architecture?” was held at the Summer Theater of New Holland, moderated by Alexandra Glukhova, Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural and Structural Constructions at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Candidate of Architecture.
The event brought together leading experts in the field of restoration, reconstruction, and revitalization of cultural heritage sites. The discussion focused on issues of preserving the historical appearance of buildings while adapting them to modern functions, economic models for working with heritage, and the role of the professional community in urban planning decisions.
Alexandra Glukhova, also known as the author of tours for the educational company “Petersburg Through the Eyes of an Engineer,” asked the speakers key questions about the boundaries of permissible interventions, the balance between commercial efficiency and preserving the “spirit of the place,” as well as strategies for revitalizing industrial areas.
Alexandra Glukhova
Architect-restorer, head of architectural restoration workshop No. 2 of LLC “NIiPI Spetsrestavratsiya” Maria Shapchenko She talked about the work on the House of Radio, the Ushakov Baths, and the Bryullov House. She answered questions about how unique constructive discoveries, such as false vaults and historical heating systems, affect the restoration concept, and what makes the Bryullov House an example of a “heartfelt approach” to heritage preservation.
Commercial Director of HIDEOUT Residence and WYNWOOD hotels Galina Fomichyova shared the experience of transforming a former banker’s house and the barracks of the Naval Guard Crew into premium hospitality facilities. She explained the value that the “historical component” creates for the business and how cost-effective social investments in public spaces within residential complexes are.
Architect of the KLAUZURA bureau Darya Kozlova presented the experience of working on the “SPLAV” projects at the Nevsky Plant and the cultural quarter “Brusnitsyn,” for the concept of which the bureau received the “Golden Trezzini” award. She spoke about preserving industrial memory amid a radical change of functions and the role of a holistic brand in the success of revitalization.
Member of the Union of Architects, Executive Director of the Association of Architectural Workshops, member of the Public Council under the Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of St. Petersburg, Associate Professor at the Academy of Arts Maria Orlova-Scheiner identified the key administrative barriers hindering effective revitalization and assessed the prospects for the emergence of systemic trends in the transformation of Saint Petersburg’s industrial areas.
During the discussion, examples of the revitalization of New Holland, Sevkabel Port, and other iconic sites were also discussed, as well as the role of the state and business in preserving architectural monuments. The participants agreed that successful revitalization projects are only possible with a proper combination of economic models, professional expertise, and consideration of the interests of the urban community.
SPbGASU consistently advances the theme of cultural heritage preservation in its educational and scientific activities. Thus, in 2025, the university’s students and faculty became laureates of the international “Golden Trezini” award for projects on the restoration and adaptation of historic sites. In 2026, SPbGASU held the 9th International BIMAC Conference, where one of the key sessions was “Digital Restoration of Cultural Heritage Sites.” Additionally, the Consortium for “Preservation of Architectural Heritage” was established at SPbGASU.
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