At the end of August, the New Holland Island Summer Theatre hosted an open discussion, "How to Preserve Historic Architecture?", moderated by Aleksandra Glukhova, PhD of Architector, Associate Professor at the Department of Architectural and Engineering Constructions at the St Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering.
The event brought together leading experts in the restoration, reconstruction, and revitalization of cultural heritage sites. Discussions focused on preserving the historical appearance of buildings while adapting them to modern functions, economic models for managing heritage, and the role of the professional community in urban planning decisions.
Aleksandra Glukhova, also known as the author of the "St Petersburg Through the Eyes of an Engineer" educational tours, asked the speakers key questions about the limits of permissible interventions, the balance between commercial efficiency and preserving the "spirit of place," and strategies for revitalizing industrial areas.
Aleksandra GlukhovaMaria Shapchenko, the restoration architect, the head of Architectural Restoration Workshop No. 2 at Research and Design Institute Spetsrestavratsiya, spoke about her work on the Radio House, Ushakov Baths, and the Bryullov House. She answered questions about how unique structural features, such as false vaults and historical heating systems, influenced the restoration concept, and what made the Bryullov House an example of a "spiritual approach" to heritage preservation.
Galina Fomicheva, Commercial Director of the HIDEOUT Residence and WYNWOOD hotels, shared her experience transforming a former banker's house and the Naval Guards Crew barracks into premium hospitality properties. She explained the business value created by the "historical component" and the return on investment in public spaces within residential complexes.
KLAUZURA bureau architect Daria Kozlova presented her experience working on the SPLAV project at the Nevsky Zavod and the Brusnitsyn cultural quarter, for which the firm received the Golden Trezzini award for its concept. She discussed preserving industrial memory amidst radical changes in function and the role of a holistic brand in the success of revitalization.
Maria Orlova-Sheiner, a member of the Union of Architects, executive director of the Association of Architectural Studios, member of the Public Council under the Committee for Urban Development and Architecture of St Petersburg, and associate professor at the Academy of Arts, identified key administrative barriers hindering high-quality revitalization and assessed the prospects for the emergence of systemic trends in the transformation of St Petersburg's industrial areas.
The discussion also included examples of the revitalization of New Holland, Sevkabel Port, and other iconic sites, as well as the role of government and business in preserving architectural monuments. Participants agreed that successful revitalization projects are only possible with the right combination of economic models, professional expertise, and consideration of the interests of the urban community.
SPbGASU consistently develops the topic of cultural heritage preservation in its educational and research activities. For example, in 2025, the university's students and teachers won the international Golden Trezzini Award for their projects on the restoration and adaptation of historical sites. In 2026, SPbGASU hosted the IX International BIMAC Conference, where one of the key sessions was "Digital Restoration of Cultural Heritage Sites." SPbGASU also established the Consortium for the Preservation of Architectural Heritage.