The international scientific and practical conference was held in the Ruina wing, where the exhibition of Dutch landscape architecture “Dialogue with Water” had opened a few days earlier. The event lasted for a whole day, but its more than rich program was worth the time spent. The conference consisted of two main parts, delimited by the screening of a fascinating short film by landscape architect from the Novascape bureau Eva Radionova “Reviving the Yauza. United Moscow water area . The first part of the conference was devoted to the reports of specialists, historians and art critics who were directly involved in the creation of the Atlas. In their speeches, they touched not only on the long and complex history of the park in Lefortovo, but also presented the most striking examples of the renovation of historic parks in the Netherlands. The second part consisted of three round tables, during which specific practical steps were discussed to transform the Moscow park - already taken and those that still have to be taken.
It is pleasant that each of those present in the hall had the opportunity to flip through the pages of the presented unique publication, printed on large sheets of A3 format, with a huge amount of archival materials, maps, drawings and drawings, as well as modern photographs of Lefortovo Park and scientific research directly related to its salvation …
Introductory part
Opened the conference
Ron van Dartel
Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Russia, who emphasized the importance of preserving the historical heritage and noted the special role of Lefortovo Park - unique in its layout and uniting the traditions of the two countries - Russia and the Netherlands. As you know, the original layout of the park was created by the Dutch physician of Peter the Great, Nicholas Bidloo. Today the park is recognized as an object of joint cultural heritage of Russia and Holland.
The issue of the special historical, cultural and archaeological value of Lefortovo Park was raised back in September 2011 within the framework of the Denkmal-Moscow exhibition. The result was a joint publication three years later - Atlas of Lefortovo Park, which explores its evolution and the surviving fragments of the original layout.
Sergey Khudyakov
Director of MGOMZ "Kolomenskoye-Izmailovo-Lefortovo-Lyublino"
recalled that Lefortovo Park became part of the Kolomenskoye-Izmaylovo-Lefortovo-Lyublino museum complex in 2005, but the museum got it in a very poor state. Since then, emergency response work has been constantly carried out to maintain the park, but, of course, this is not enough. Khudyakov sees as the primary task the inclusion of the park in the context of the city: “The park should become public, and both the city authorities and the public should take part in its reconstruction”.
Elena Verkhovskaya, Deputy Director of MGOMZ "Kolomenskoye-Izmailovo-Lefortovo-Lyublino" for educational and educational work, noted that the current state of the park is the result of urban planning policy of the late XIX - early XX centuries. Further disastrous changes were associated with the decision of the city authorities to build a section of the TTK across the park territory. Then the public defended the park, and the highway was removed into a tunnel, which, however, did not save the green zone from changes for the worse.
Series of reports
Marike Kuypers
Professor of Cultural Heritage at the Delft University of Technology, Leading Specialist for Cultural Heritage of the Dutch Public Service, presented a report “ Dutch paradises in the past and present of Russia »:
“The past of Holland and Russia is closely intertwined. There is a lot in common in the development history of the two countries. The intersections of the two cultures became especially obvious during the reign of Peter I, who was in Holland for a long time, studying the basics of shipbuilding, getting acquainted with the culture and traditions of the country. Dutch architects have always worked actively with water, since the entire territory of the Netherlands is located below sea level. Land development had to literally reclaim land, breaking through canals, building bridges, dams and dams. This practice was very interested in Peter I, and he tried to transfer such methods of land management and construction of cities to Russian soil. In addition, while in the Netherlands, Peter the Great repeatedly visited the famous estates of our country, studied how landscape parks and botanical gardens with exotic plants, which merchants brought from distant wanderings, are arranged. Such gardens were typical of Holland. And even then, Peter I realized that with the help of a garden, you can emphasize the importance of any building.
It is obvious that already at that time there was an active exchange of experience. From Holland, the Russian tsar brought not only books, but also specialists, including Nicholas Bidloo. The latter, after completing his activity as a military doctor, received permission from the sovereign to build his own estate with a large park on the banks of the Yauza River. In the archives, we found a plan of a water park from the time of Peter I. The Lefortovo park was based on a traditional Dutch garden with water cascades. One of the possible sources of inspiration could be the city of Rosendal, located on a hill and actively using water cascades. In addition, it should be borne in mind that Bidloo was the son of a botanist and pharmacist, so, of course, he knew a lot about the organization of gardens and parks. Unfortunately, today there is practically nothing left of the park of Peter the Great's time. And our task is to try to preserve the surviving fragments of history, and, if possible, to recreate what was once lost."
Mariel Kok
Senior Consultant for Architectural Heritage and Historical Parks of the Netherlands State Cultural Heritage Service, did not touch upon the problems of Lefortovo Park. She invited the participants of the conference to independently draw parallels between him and the implemented projects for the transformation of historic parks in Holland.
“In the Netherlands today there are 63 thousand objects under state protection, of which 500 are objects of gardening art. If it is necessary to make changes to one or another heritage site, we start with the search for an optimally balanced solution that takes into account the past, present and future of the monument. First of all, its history, archeology, archives are studied. A team of like-minded people is being formed, uniting specialists from various fields. A thorough analysis of the historical and cultural value of the place allows you to get an idea of the prospects for its development.
Let me give you one example. Singraven Manor is located in the province of Overijssel in the village of Denekamp. It is a medieval building with architectural features typical of that time. There was always a large and beautiful park in front of the estate. But over the long years of its existence, it has repeatedly undergone significant changes. About 10 years ago, the estate was given a new life. In 2004, a development plan for the estate was drawn up, the building was restored and opened to the public, the existing buildings were adapted for modern functions. In addition, new facilities were built. Shops, bike rentals, and even housing were opened.
A separate project was developed to recreate the park crossed by the river. And here, as in the case of Lefortovo Park, the most important aspect was water management. The Singravena River is of particular importance for our country due to its age - it is very old, the layers of sediments there are more than 10 thousand years old. On the territory of the estate, the river was controlled by dams, which also made it possible to install water mills along its banks. Some of the mills are still in operation and the dams have been repaired. But in the old days, the territory of the estate often suffered from floods because of the river passing here. The construction of dams made it possible to make the water level stable, but this upset the natural balance of nature. The discussion about how to organize the water system is still ongoing. Today we can only talk about the initial stage of work, at which we are trying to understand the importance of water for the estate, without which this place has no soul."
Hank van Tilborg
landscape architect, director of the studio "Landscape Architects H + N + S", Netherlands
dwelled on the content of the Atlas presented to the public in more detail:
“The Atlas is intended to give impetus to further transformation and restoration of the territory of Lefortovo Park. A huge number of specialists from both sides are involved in this process. It all started three years ago with a discussion and search for ways of implementation and partners. Research work was carried out, the result of which was the Atlas, which consists of three main parts. The first one describes the position of Lefortovo in the historical context of the estates of Holland and Russia. In the second part, much attention is paid to the role of Peter I and Nicholas Bidloo. The emphasis is placed on these two figures, their creative approach, which is reflected in the park. The third part gives an idea of how, using historical knowledge, one can see the future of the park.
The dominant temporal layer is the layer of the times of Peter the Great, so it seems to me correct to use this layer as the main one when restoring the park. Preserved maps allow us to understand the legacy of Peter I and Nicholas Bidloo. There was a military hospital on the Yauza, and a beautiful garden upstream. For construction in Lefortovo, a unique cross pond was designed according to the Dutch model, which is now lost.
The Atlas describes the basic design principles of Bidloo, using mathematical relationships of axes and proportions to create a mind-blowing garden with unexpected perspectives. The main role in the formation of this image was played by waters, water cascades and, of course, the soul of the park - the Yauza River, which acts as a connecting and unifying element. The integrity of the site was due to the sheer number of bridges - a layer that also disappeared completely. It is also important that even in Holland the cascade parks are practically nowhere preserved, most of them were converted into landscape ones. In this regard, the importance of Lefortovo Park is growing even more.
Particular attention in the Atlas is paid to the evolutionary development of the park, which at different times was used for a wide variety of needs - from an element of the palace ensemble and a garden at the cadet corps to a neglected city park of regional significance. The methods of work of the designers who took part in the fate of this place are being investigated. How and to what extent it is possible to restore the park today depends on these and many other factors.
It seems to me important, first of all, to preserve what is left. But due to the fact that the park is urban, it is necessary to pay attention to the availability, the device of additional entrances, the preparation of the program of use and functioning. We must take into account today's requirements, drawing inspiration from the past."
Round tables
After detailed and fascinating reports from invited experts, round tables were held on archaeological research of the park territory, the regeneration of historical landscape and park ensembles and their urban planning,as well as a modern approach to the cultural and historical analysis of objects of landscape gardening.
Professor Alexander Veksler
Head of the Section "Preservation of Moscow Archaeological Heritage Sites" of the Scientific and Methodological Council under the Moscow Cultural Heritage Department, Talking about the archaeological part of the study of Lefortovo Park, he called Lefortovo unique among other parks in the capital in terms of archeology:
“This is the first regular park in Russia, created on the basis of the Golovins park. Today it occupies the lower terrace. During its existence, a whole complex of serious changes took place in this place, which fell on the era of the reign of Elizabeth, Paul I, the early period of Rastrelli's work, etc. In this regard, here you can find numerous temporary sediments, which today can only be studied with the help of archaeological research. Archaeological work in this area has been carried out since the 1930s, then they were resumed during the construction of the Third Transport Ring. Large-scale archaeological research was carried out in the period from 1998 to 2003. I participated in the study of the water areas of the park, drained during the work. All this made it possible to consistently reveal the main stages of the development of the place, which means - to obtain the initial data for the development of the revival project. Today we have a serious collection of archaeological finds that should be museumified and presented in the park."
Marina Lyapina
Head of the Department of Popularization of Cultural Heritage Objects and Information Support of the Moscow City Heritage Site:
“At the second stage of archaeological research, the task was to study the ground structures of the park, its layout and the remains of structures. So, we were interested in the Annogofskaya "Kashkada", located on the eastern bank of the Annogofsky channel and serving as an upper terrace and retaining wall. We found its northern wing made of white stone about 1 meter high. The central part has not survived. Another interesting research area was the territory of the Golovinsky Palace. We managed to find the remains of its foundation made of white stone blocks, as well as a staircase. Excavations of the middle parterre of the rectangular island revealed paths from the middle of the 18th century. A gazebo was discovered in the center of the park.
All archaeological work gives a very definite idea of how seriously today's relief differs from the historical one. Probably no park in Moscow has been studied more thoroughly than Lefortovo, which is especially important, given that its landscape has been changed by almost 100%. But there is also a positive moment here: archeology has shown that the historical archival documents are correct and the reconstruction of the park based on them is possible."
Elena Tsareva
NPO "Historical Zones" State Unitary Enterprise of the General Plan of Moscow, expressed her conviction that Lefortovo Park should be included in the general context of green areas and estates located along the Yauza, starting from the Vasilyevsky meadow square at the river mouth and ending with Sokolniki Park.
“The existing cultural axis of parks along the Moskva River from Vorobyovy Gory through Neskuchny Garden and Zaryadye Park should spread further to Vasilievsky Meadow to Yauza. We have seen such a way of switching on in Gorky Park. Only after becoming a part of the general green line, the park began to work.
It is also important to consider the surroundings of Lefortovo. In fact, the park is only a part of the magnificent palace ensemble, which includes the palace itself, the greenhouse complex, the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, Rastrelli corps, etc. Therefore, our task is not only to recreate the park, but also to return the lost buildings and structures to it. Without this, talking about the revival of the park is meaningless.
Seven years ago, the General Planning Institute worked on a park planning project. Then we counted about 20 users on its territory and assumed the withdrawal of all these organizations, and the palace was planned to be turned into a museum. Negotiations have even begun with the Property Department. But all our efforts were dashed by the unwillingness of the owners to meet halfway and the lack of interest on the part of the authorities.
Lefortovo is the very object where you can reveal all the layers that were present here. At the heart is the Bidloo Park, then - the Golovinsky Palace, which we dreamed of restoring or at least exhibiting its foundations, layers of the 19th century, reflecting the period when the cadet corps was here and the emergence of a landscape park. Even the elements of the Lefortovo Garden, whose palace was located on the opposite bank of the Yauza, could be considered today as part of a single ensemble."
Yaroslav Kovalchuk
State Unitary Enterprise of the General Plan of Moscow, spoke about the idea of creating a recreational axis along the Yauza in more detail.
“The banks of the Yauza are a very diverse and multifunctional urban space. In the lower reaches of the river, there are a lot of cultural heritage sites - churches, industrial buildings of the 19th - early 20th centuries, residential buildings from different periods. In short, this is an extremely rich and green area, which, at the same time, has been in critical condition for many years and is extremely little used by the city. If the Lefortovo Park has recently been monitored by museum staff at least somehow, other cultural objects, say, Razumovsky's estate, are completely neglected. The embankments serve as highways, and the monuments along the river are in no way connected with each other. The key problem is lack of access: there is no public transport, parking or even walking routes. Another point is that the percentage of residential areas is too small. If the park is restored today, it is not clear who will use it. after all, practically no one lives around. It is necessary not only to set the goal of recreating Lefortovo, but to develop the entire district, because it could potentially become one of the best places in Moscow.
Elena Ignatieva
chief engineer "Ekovodstroyproekt", spoke about the prospects for the restoration of the water structure of the park. She expressed the belief that the changed water level can be returned to historical marks without even dumping water into the Yauza. In addition, a project for the restoration of the Golovinsky pond dam has already been agreed upon. It is possible to carry out sanitary water exchange and circulating water supply, in which the Oval Pond can also participate. The restoration of all historical contours of reservoirs will not be a problem either. Elena Ignatieva emphasized that it is definitely necessary to start the restoration of the park from the water system.
According to Olga Zhiburtovich
from Mosproject-2, the park needs coordinated urban planning and transport documentation, as well as the approval of objects of protection on the territory of the monument with the fixation of values found by archaeologists. In parallel, it is necessary to develop a serious restoration project, outlining the stages of the implementation of the work.
Marina Pluzhnikova
Moskomarkhitektura, proposed to study the issue of transforming the park within the framework of updating the master plan of the city, not being limited only to the planning project.
The conference resulted in the decision to send an official letter from the public to the Moscow authorities in order to draw their attention to the fate of Lefortovo Park.
