The SPbGASU Educational Center for Project-Based Learning is hosting an exhibition of theses dedicated to the preservation and renovation of the historic Parusinka district in Ivangorod, Leningrad Oblast, in conjunction with the III International Scientific and Practical Conference "Border Symmetry."

Graduates of the SPbGASU Departments of Architectural Environment Design and of Architectural and Urban-Planning Heritage presented their final qualification works, including projects for the revival of the former A.L. Stieglitz manufactories and the historic Parusinka district in Ivangorod, as well as for the adaptation of unique industrial heritage sites on the border with Estonia—the A.L. Stieglitz manufactory, a workers' settlement, and a park—for modern use. The students presented their theses to faculty members at our university — Maria Granstrem, Head of the Department of Architectural Environment Design, and Yan Korzhempo, Associate Professor at the same department — as well as to specialists from St Petersburg State University, the Stieglitz St Petersburg State Academy of Art and Design, and other universities.

The discussion was moderated by Sergey Yaroshetsky, editor-in-chief of the journal "Addresses of Petersburg" and professor at the Higher School of Printing and Media Technology at the St Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design. Oleg Romanov, Honorary President of the Union of Architects of St Petersburg, and Elena Stieglitz, Director of the Baron Stieglitz Heritage Foundation, participated in the discussion. Experts included film producer Dmitry Brodsky, historian Vera Amosova, director of the Rizalit company Evgeny Varnavitsky, and journalist Anna Damaskina.

According to Sergey Yaroshetsky, "On one side of the Narva River one can see the Krenholm Manufactory, painstakingly preserved by its Swedish owners. And on our side lies the extremely neglected part of the former manufactories of the legendary Baron A. L. Stieglitz. In an effort to restore order there as quickly as possible—restoring, reconstructing, and preserving—we are opening an exhibition of renovation projects for this remarkable historical and cultural monument."

Aleksey Volkov, a graduate of the SPbGASU Department of Architectural and Urban-Planning Heritage, proposed a restoration architect's concept for the renovation of the Parusinka area under the inspiring slogan "On the sails of the past – to the space of the future." "I believe that the historical framework of Parusinka and the identified environmental values ​​provide an opportunity to unlock the tourism potential not only of the area but of all of Ivangorod," he noted.

Elizaveta Luksha, a graduate of the Department of Architectural Environmental Design, explained: "I propose establishing an educational cluster within the factory's workshops—training and production studios, conference rooms, and a student campus where art students could undertake year-round internships. The new educational center would also create unique opportunities for Ivangorod residents, engaging children and adults in creative and project-based learning. The design of the embankment facing Estonia, which serves as the face of Russia, the creation of a walking route, the restoration of the stables, and the creation of a museum area will help revive this currently depressing area, preserve the spirit of the place, and improve the quality of the urban environment. I believe that the creation of a cultural and educational cluster on the site of the former factory will continue the legacy of Aleksandr Ludvigovich Stieglitz, who participated in the support and construction of educational institutions in Russia."

The exhibition will run on working days through 31 October. Address: Fontanka River Embankment, Buildings 123–125, Educational Center for Project-Based Learning, St Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. To visit, please register by email: dscaf@spbgasu.ru