On 27 January, St Petersburg and across the country celebrates the Day of the full liberation of Leningrad from the Nazi blockade – a commemorative date symbolizing the courage, fortitude, and dedication of the residents of the besieged city. The Siege of Leningrad, which lasted 872 days, became one of the most tragic and heroic chapters of the Great Patriotic War. It claimed hundreds of thousands of lives, but did not break the city's spirit.
The history of our university is inextricably linked with the fate of Leningrad during the siege. During the war, teachers, staff, and students participated in engineering defenses, camouflaging strategically important sites, surveying damaged buildings, and preserving architectural monuments. Their contribution played a vital role in preserving the unique appearance of the city on the Neva.
Today, the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering continues its tradition of serving the city and preserving historical memory through its scientific, educational, and creative activities.
Yuliana Guryeva, Associate Professor at the Department of Descriptive Geometry and Engineering Graphics at the SPbGASU Faculty of Architecture, and a PhD of Engineering Sciences, won the 2025 award in the "Graphics. Landscape" category of the international exhibition and competition "Creative Spring. Courage Knows No Oblivion... 80 Years of Victory!"
.png "Ю.Гурьева. Блокада 900 дней")
The jury highly commended Yuliana Aleksandrovna's graphic series "Blockade. 900 Days," which she spent several years developing. It recreates the image of embattled Leningrad within the urban landscapes of the era. The works combine rigorous architectural thinking, emotional expressiveness, and a profound respect for historical truth.
Among the works presented at the competition were:
- "Naval parade on the Neva"
- "What are you dreaming of, cruiser Aurora?";
- "Blockade of Leningrad. Air raid";
- "Ladoga – the road of life";
- "Blockade city".
According to the professional community, all works are performed using graphic techniques (paper, sauce) and are distinguished by a high level of execution, subtle use of tone and texture, and expressive composition. The architectural motifs become more than just a backdrop, but an independent artistic image – a witness to tragic events and human heroism.
Winning the international exhibition is a testament to the professionalism of the SPbGASU teacher and recognition of the importance of preserving historical memory.
Yuliana Guryeva's works demonstrate the potential of architectural graphics for understanding heroic chapters of the past. They are used in teaching architecture and engineering students, fostering their professional development.