Adaptation design for the building of the Mariinsky Theater at 1 Teatralnaya Square
French architect Xavier Fabre presented to the Council members a number of additions to the project he developed in 2006. The changes concerned the architectural and artistic solution of the facade overlooking the Kryukov Canal, as well as the issues of adapting the building to modern needs.
The western facade of the theater keeps traces of several construction stages: at the end of the 19th century. it was reconstructed by Viktor Schreter, and in the 60s of the last century an extension appeared here, which closed part of the historical walls. Over time, the vertical divisions, part of the decor and the original window openings were lost, which simplified the facade and deprived it of its rhythm. Xavier Fabre proposes to recreate the original view of the Schreter facade, including the Soviet extension. In this way, it will not only be combined with the rest of the theater, but will also be able to match its new urban planning role: since the facade faces the Kryukov Canal and the second stage of the theater, it deserves a more solemn and neat look.
The superstructures of the wings of the building - the third floors, which appeared after the reconstruction of Schroeter - are preserved. They now house decoration workshops and opera classes. The terrace will be recreated to show the windows hidden by the current roof. The skylight, originally graceful, but in the Soviet years got an almost industrial look, will be changed with the lowering of the roof ridge. New engineering structures will make it possible to lift the heavier sets to the required height above the stage portal, and unloading them will become much easier thanks to the installation of a lifting and lowering platform in one of the theater yards. Elevators for people with limited mobility will be installed in existing openings, where the walls will have to be slightly constrained. In addition, new ventilation will be installed in the space under the parterre.
Xavier Fabre pointed out a number of problems that he had to face while working on the project. First of all, it is the need to organize the transition from the old theater to the new one. The current bridge over the Kryukov Canal rests against the pier between the windows of the historic building, which baffles the French architect. The second problem is fire safety standards. In order to successfully evacuate the orchestra musicians from the basements, it is necessary to break through an additional exit in the wall of the front facade, which seems inappropriate for the architect.
Irina Lyubarova, director of the Kamennoe Zodchestvo enterprise, who already has experience working with the Moscow Bolshoi Theater and the Bolshoi Drama Theater. Tovstonogova, said that the brick walls of the facades of the Mariinsky Theater are covered with a network of cracks, including through ones. The reason for their appearance is the explosions during the war, which thundered near the building. The construction of a nearby metro station may further aggravate the situation. When adapting the old Mariinsky, it is necessary to strengthen the supporting structures and brickwork, as well as strengthen over three hundred vaults. “Stone architecture” is already working on the solution of these issues.
Alexander Kononov, who acted as a reviewer of the project, categorically stated that the project in its current form could not be implemented due to an unacceptable attitude towards security items: facades, roofs, courtyards, etc. a monstrous mix”that never existed. The facade must be strictly restored, the Soviet building, which is the subject of protection, left alone. Alexander Margolis, the chairman of the St. Petersburg branch of VOOPIIK, said directly that the theater was "sliding" into the Kryukov Canal, and that the monument had to be saved first, and then "to embody Gergiev's fantasies and arrange elevators." The opinion of the members of the Council as a whole coincided with the results of the historical and cultural examination of the project.
As a result, it was decided by an absolute majority of votes to support the reconstruction project, subject to a number of remarks: not to decorate the Soviet extension for Schreter, to keep the courtyards as objects of protection, to include in the work the construction of a mathematical model based on geotechnical research. The problem of moving between theaters will be discussed separately.
The concept of development and adaptation of the inner territory of Bolshoy Gostiny Dvor
Elena Korshunova, General Director of Bolshoi Gostiny Dvor OJSC, told the Council what changes in the near future will take place with the oldest department store in St. Petersburg. This issue was not brought up for formal discussion, so the discussion was consultative in nature, which was approved by the members of the Council.
As part of the fulfillment of security obligations, the shareholders have already restored most of the facades and roofs of the external trapezoid of the department store, and in 2005 they ordered Studio 44 to adjust the interior spaces, which returned the old commercial building to its unique historical structure. Currently, the project is being finalized, a historical and cultural examination of the buildings is also being carried out, the results of which will reveal the objects of protection and the scope of permitted changes.
However, some work is already underway. They decided to start with the letter B (former warehouse), which is in the worst condition. Facades, historical canopies and wooden frames are being restored on it, as agreed with KGIOP and KGA. These works will be completed by mid-2015, after which the Elena Obraztsova International Academy of Music and the School of Arts will move into the building. Also on the inner territory there will be a concert hall, a spiritual and educational center, a children's department store, restaurants, exhibition spaces, a museum of the history of merchants and much more. Based on the results of the examination, more detailed architectural designs will be presented.
The inner trapezoid of Gostiny Dvor forms a closed street and square - this is unique for buildings of this type. Boris Kirikov said that the shop owners built on the buildings in their own way, which is why a certain randomness and chaos appeared inside the classicist structure, and this space undoubtedly has an independent historical and cultural value. According to the expert, the city will gain a lot when the courtyards of the department store are opened, which hides a kind of open-air museum. Alexander Margolis noted that Gostiny Dvor, together with Apraksin and Konyushenny Dvors, can fundamentally change the situation in the historical center of the city - these are colossal squares that are attractive for businesses and residents, and you should seriously think about their use right now.
Let us remind you that in November last year it became known that a new shareholder appeared in Bolshoy Gostiny Dvor OJSC, which is hatching ambitious plans for the reconstruction of the department store according to its own concept. Investment company Fort Group proposed to cover the courtyards with glass roofs, which would almost double the area of the object. However, this proposal caused a protest from the rest of the shareholders.
