Svetlana Golovina opening the conference
On 24 March, the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering has opened the VI National (All-Russian) Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation, "Reconstruction and Restoration of Architectural Heritage" (RRAH 2026). The event will run until 27 March and bring together leading scholars, representatives of the professional community, and educational organizations from Russia, China, Armenia, and neighboring countries.
The conference became a key platform for discussing current issues related to the preservation of cultural heritage sites, the implementation of modern technologies in restoration, and the training of a new generation of specialists.
Svetlana Golovina, the SPbGASU First Vice-Rector, delivered a welcoming speech. She emphasized the strategic importance of developing educational programs in the field of restoration:
"This year, alongside restoration architects, we will for the first time be recruiting applicants for the building and structure restoration program, qualifying as a restoration engineer. Our initiative to introduce this new specialty has received broad support from the academic and professional community."
The importance of developing new professional fields was also emphasized in his speech by Aleksey Mikhailov, Chairman of the Committee for State Control, Use, and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments of St Petersburg (KGIOP): "A restoration architect is a specialist who must understand the vision of previous generations and pass it on. But an equally important field is the restoration engineer. This is a unique profession that requires a deep understanding of the history of architecture and the ability to integrate modern technologies."
According to the speaker, the most important conditions for improving the quality of restoration work remain the development of a scientific and research base, technological advancement, and a rethinking of approaches to heritage preservation, as well as new directions in the training of qualified specialists.
To achieve these objectives, an agreement was signed at the conference to establish the "Preservation of Architectural Heritage" consortium, which would aim to unite scientific, educational, and industrial organizations. The agreement was signed by SPbGASU, KGIOP, the Russian Association of Restorers, Nanosoft Development LLC, and Wizardsoft JSC.
"I sincerely hope that the consortium will become a focal point for fundamental research, the development of laboratory facilities, support for scientific schools, and the implementation of modern technological solutions," noted Svetlana Golovina.
Dialogue between science, education and industry
During the plenary session, participants covered a wide range of topics: from the prospects for the development of historical territories and digitalization in restoration to current regulatory challenges in the development of the field of cultural heritage site (CHS) preservation and changes to the procedures for carrying out work at CHS from 1 March, 2026.
The session was moderated by Nadezhda Akulova, Acting Head of the SPbGASU Department of Architectural and Urban-Planning Heritage.
Participants are to discuss the historical aspects of various restoration schools, the development of St Petersburg's industrial heritage: continuity and modernity, engineering aspects of adapting cultural heritage sites to modern use, and application of new materials and digital technologies.
Particular attention will be paid to education – from secondary vocational to continuing education, as well as mentoring in the field of restoration and participatory design in the educational process.
The conference will conclude with a "Dialogue of Experts" between Russian historian, inventor, local historian, and PhD of Architecture, Viktor Dolbinin, and the Visiting Professor at the SPbGASU Department of Urban Planning, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, and DSc in Architecture, Sergey Sementsov. They will discuss, in a dialogue format, known and unknown historical facts related to the Constantine Palace, as well as the historical development of Saint Petersburg and its suburbs.
The significance of the conference
Over the years, the RRAH conference has become a respected platform for professional dialogue and the development of practical solutions in the field of architectural heritage preservation. In 2026, the event will confirm its status, bringing together the scientific community, government agencies, and businesses.
Following the conference, a collection of scientific articles will be published, reflecting modern approaches and research results in the field of restoration.
The organizers are confident that RRAH 2026 will be a significant milestone in the industry's development and will contribute to the development of new professional standards, strengthen cooperation, and introduce innovative solutions into cultural heritage preservation practices.
