Winners of Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory development contest announced
On 18 April, KFU hosted presentations of the projects of the finalists of the IV International Competition of Student Projects for the Promotion of World Cultural Heritage Sites dedicated to the preservation and adaptation of the Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory.
The event aimed to find the most promising architectural ideas and solutions for the preservation and modernization of the Astronomical Observatory.
It was organized by the National Committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites, the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences, and the Republican Foundation for the Revival of Monuments of History and Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan.
The competition was supported by Mintimer Shaimiev, State Counselor of the Republic of Tatarstan and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue. The face-to-face round was held with the participation of Ivan Gushchin, Chairman of the Committee of the Republic of Tatarstan for the Protection of Cultural Heritage Sites, and Rishat Guzeirov, Vice-Rector for Comprehensive Security.
“Our work on preparation for the contest started back in November last year. We tried to provide the contestants with all the necessary information about architectural aspects, documentation, protection zones and boundaries of the territory of the observatory, which occupies an area of 19 hectares. We told in detail about each monument located on the territory of the object. From the preliminary applications and works admitted to the semi-finals, 38 projects were selected, and today we are happy to welcome nine teams, including Kazan University, to the finals. It is interesting to see how the students show ingenuity, perseverance and persistence, proposing very bold and innovative ideas for the preservation and adaptation of the Engelhardt Observatory,” said Mr Gushchin.
Teams from Russia’s leading universities, from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and the Donetsk People’s Republic reached the semi-finals. Young people from the People’s Republic of China also joined. Three teams from the neighboring country were among the finalists.
The contest entries are evaluated by an international jury of respected experts in architecture, cultural heritage protection, history, astronomy and other related disciplines.
“We have held many consultations for the participants in an effort to help them maximize their potential. Most importantly, the Engelhardt Astronomical Observatory is a functioning scientific institution, and it is necessary to ensure its further development. Today we have seen good projects that will certainly be useful. We are especially pleased to note the active participation of Chinese students who presented fantastic developments. We are sure that the ideas and solutions presented at the competition will definitely find their place in the future,” emphasized the Head of the Observatory, Professor Yury Nefedyev.
In the end, the students of the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARKhI) emerged as the winners. The concept of their project included a ropeway, a hotel on the banks of the Volga River, cottages, rope playgrounds, and a skating rink.