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RENOVATION PROJECT OF THE CHURCH AND ITS TERRITORY

RENOVATION PROJECT OF THE CHURCH OF THE “HOLY APOSTLES” and its territory in Toksovo, Karelia, Russia
Location: Toksovo, Russia
Year: 2020
Information:
The aim of this work was to develop a comprehensive concept for the renovation of the Church of Sts. Peter and Paul and the adjacent area to determine ways and possibilities for preserving the cultural heritage site and adapting it for modern use within the context of the existing environment. The presented concept is the first work of its kind and it laid the foundation for a large-scale project of inventory and subsequent renovation of all Churches in the Leningrad Oblast.
Main Idea: The primary concept revolves around the formation of a unified preservation strategy for the heritage of the Leningrad Oblast, encompassing historical structures and associated areas.

The entire project was conducted on a voluntary basis and received widespread coverage. Participation in this project helped draw attention from the general public to the preservation of cultural heritage sites in the Leningrad Oblast, particularly Lutheran Churches.

The project was selected as the winner of the Open All-Russian Competition Accelerator for Volunteer Practices and Initiatives in the Cultural Heritage Sphere in the Leningrad Oblast, organised by VOOPIC.

Our team presented this project at the Conference on the Preservation and Revival of Estates in the Leningrad Oblast: Volunteer Initiatives, as well as at the exhibition "From the Ashes: Experience in the Restoration of Lutheran Churches in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast."

Additionally, the project was featured in a live broadcast and report on LenTV 24 and several articles were published, including one in the diocesan journal "Church of Ingria" titled "Concept of Renovation of Churches in the Leningrad Oblast," February issue, as well as in the journal of AUPIK "Protected by the State."
Preliminary Studies: Survey // Social Analysis
Preliminary Studies: Survey // Social Analysis
Conclusion:
Based on the results of the preliminary studies, it can be concluded that the investigated site, which houses the Lutheran Church, has numerous advantages as well as drawbacks. 
In the City Scale:
The area boasts good transportation accessibility and connectivity with Saint Petersburg. It is surrounded by three large lakes and three bays to the north. Nearby attractions include an Orthodox church complex, ski resorts, and the Kavgolovski Forest Park, which attract both local residents and visitors to the urban settlement.
On the Site Scale:
The Church is situated on an elevation amidst abundant vegetation. Due to the proliferation of self-seeding, some visual connections have been lost. Primary issues stem from a lack of proper maintenance. There is an absence of organized pathways, a designated central entrance, landscaping elements, and the presence of makeshift structures.
In the Object Scale:
Historical iconography reveals discrepancies, notably in the bell tower's structure and openings, as well as the loss of historical details such as decorative elements and chimney pipes. Sociological research indicates active parish involvement in church activities, with a reverent and engaged attitude towards the congregation.

In conclusion, the area holds significant potential for development and could become a cultural and social asset for the urban settlement of Toksovo and the Leningrad Oblast as a whole. However, when determining functional transformations, it's crucial to consider that a religious institution requires a degree of seclusion and is not designed to accommodate large crowds.
Design Phase
Several key development directions for the territory can be identified:
- Development of a master plan covering the entire area
- Establishment of a safe and comfortable environment
- Implementation of a road and path network
- Organization of the main entrance and entrance group
- Restoration of visual connections
- Clearing of spontaneously grown vegetation and trees
- Repair and restoration of the Lutheran Church and Parish House buildings
- Utilization of the terrain in landscaping
- Creation of public and secluded areas within the territory
- Landscaping and installation of landscaping elements
- Potential integration of additional cultural and social functions
- Possible restoration of the historical appearance of the Lutheran Church and Parish House
- Possible demolition of makeshift structures
RENOVATION PROJECT OF THE CHURCH AND ITS TERRITORY
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RENOVATION PROJECT OF THE CHURCH AND ITS TERRITORY

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