Васильев Николай

Школа №263, 8-А класс

Санкт-Петербург

Научный руководитель: Аниканова Т.А.

 Проблемы сохранения исторического центра Санкт-Петербурга: современные вызовы

The problems of the preservation of the historical centre of Saint-Petersburg: modern conditions

   The theme of my research is preservation of the historical centre of Saint-Petersburg. The main problem of my work is to analyse the building of the skyscrapers and the erection of the modern monuments, which destroy the classical style of our city.

   The aim of this research is to prove the necessity of prevention of this building and the obstruction of the cultural capital with such doubtful monuments of modern art, discuss possible solutions of this problem.

   Our research shows that this problem has not only economic, but social character. Firstly, I would like to remember the history of the foundation of Saint-Petersburg. During all the history of our city, the main idea of the building was saved. The city was presented like a volume structure, there was even a prohibition to create buildings, which are higher than the Hermitage (if we remember the decree of Nicolas I in 1844). In such a way, the influence on perception and attitude to the world of the citizens was exerted.  

   The first part of my work is devoted to the modern threats to the architecture of Saint-Petersburg. To my mind, threats can come not only from the destruction of historical buildings, but from the new construction in the historical centre of the city.

   For example, in 2006 they wanted to build a massive complex with a skyscraper “Okhta-centre” in Krasnogvardeysky district. But the public opinion of not indifferent citizens has saved Saint-Petersburg from the distortion of the integrity its cultural and historical landscape.

   But is the possible to be repeated nowadays? – Yes, of course.

   For example, the building of the living centre “Financier” (of 18 floors) and a new building of the goods-stock-exchange on Vasilievsky island (the 27^th line). It depends on activity of the citizens…

   In the second part of my research I would like to talk about the problems of modern sculpture in Saint-Petersburg. I am sure that to serve the beauty and culture of our city, we must form indisputable criterions of the congruence between innovation and historical memory of Saint-Petersburg. We will discuss doubtful monuments, such as:

-         A monument to Trezzini near the Blagoveschensky bridge (in 2014)

-         A sculpture of Ostap Bender on Italian street (in 2000)

-         A mini-city near the metro-station “Gorkovskaya” (when works of art become an attraction).

   However, we understand that XX and XXI centuries have changed our life. There are much more people, cars and new technology in the city, the ecology and the sanitation have changed, too. Of course, we understand that the changes were, are and will be; it is inevitable.  

   So, during researching of the work I have understood that the culture of the city has been forming for centuries. Nowadays, not all the new buildings, monuments  and sculptures match the level of Petersburg. But we must not forget that Saint-Petersburg is the first object of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Russia and we must save our city, especially its historical centre.

   As a result of my work, I can say, that the citizens must not be indifferent. To my mind, it is extremely important to understand the main problems of our city. It will help us to analyze, show and follow the right path of Russian’s economic and social development.