Representatives of the SPbGASU Department of Construction Technology visited the construction site of the F. I. Chaliapin Musical Theater (the historic "Music Hall") in Alexander Park. Head of the Department Anton Gaido and Associate Professor Yury Tilinin reviewed the work and examined the engineering solutions being used, which will subsequently be used in the university's educational and research activities.
The theater's reconstruction is considered one of the most complex projects for adapting a cultural heritage site for modern use. Specialists were given the opportunity to thoroughly study the technologies for constructing the underground space, reinforcing the structures, and organizing construction processes while preserving the historic building.
The obtained materials will be used in the training of bachelor's and master's students, the development of a new discipline in the profile "Restoration of Buildings and Structures", as well as in the preparation of a collective monograph dedicated to the arrangement of underground spaces during the restoration of historical sites.
A number of unique engineering solutions are currently being implemented at the site. Specifically, the ground floor was lowered by 5–7 meters, allowing for the creation of additional underground spaces for utility systems, stage equipment, wardrobes, and other functional space. This increased the building's usable area by over 6,000 square meters without altering its historical appearance.
Work continues in the dome space, where a rehearsal hall for the orchestra is being created. A specialized PERI formwork system is being used for the installation of the structures. Once the reconstruction is complete, the theater will receive a modern, transformable stage with multi-level lifting mechanisms, allowing the stage and orchestra pit to be configured according to the needs of the theatrical performance.
SPbGASU has been involved in the project's scientific support since the early stages of reconstruction. Previously, university specialists conducted a structural survey of the building and an assessment of the site's engineering and geological conditions. According to Anatoly Osokin, Head of the SPbGASU Department of Geotechnics, the work required the use of complex soil and foundation reinforcement technologies adapted to the conditions of the historical monument. Additional research enabled the selection of optimal technical solutions and ensured the safety of the reconstruction.
During the previous stages of construction, the builders implemented unique engineering solutions to deepen the building and create a new underground space. One of the most complex operations was the consistent reinforcement of the existing columns using individual temporary metal frames, which allowed the structural members to be preserved without compromising the building's historic appearance.
The Department of Construction Technology expresses its gratitude to Andrey Kvar, Head of the Commercial Department of PSB ZhilStroy LLC, for his assistance in organizing the site visit and the opportunity to become familiar with advanced restoration technologies for one of St Petersburg's iconic buildings.
Such trips allow teachers to update the content of educational programs, introduce students to modern construction and restoration technologies, and develop a scientific basis for further research in the field of preserving cultural heritage sites.