Revitalization of Industrial Heritage as a Factor in Improving the Quality of the Urban Environment of St. Petersburg

Abstract

In Russian cities, many large industrial enterprises, due to the liquidation of many industries, become ownerless and collapsing objects. For example, the industrial zone of St. Petersburg occupies one-third of the urban area so its current state has depressive effect on the urban environment. This article considers the actual problem of careful conversion and preservation of industrial heritage. The authors pay special attention to the revitalization of industrial facilities as a model for the development of a comfortable urban environment, taking into account the preservation of cultural identity, the values of the industrial era, as well as the organization of new public spaces and the creation of conditions for the development of cultural dialogue. The empirical basis of the study was the results of a research of industrial facilities in St. Petersburg. The article defines revitalization, considers examples of its application, and identifies the main trends in the development of industrial territories. The result of such activity is the transformation of industrial heritage into comfortable centers of attraction for people. All this allows us to talk about the relevance of the proposed revitalization model.