The Role of University in Heritage Research and Practice: Siberian Context

ABSTRACT The risk of losing identity and historical values seems indispensable as attributes of the explosive growth of modern cities. However, along with the disappearance of each piece of heritage, citizens tend to lose memories and “identical” feelings, which make the place special and unique. The role of university and architect in heritage process of modern city can be more significant: there are many successful examples around the world, which clearly demonstrate that. The group of researchers of the Siberian Federal University made an attempt to compensate both for the lack of connection between the university and the city, and the lack of comprehensive approaches to heritage process in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. For the experimental design research, the part of the Military camp, the degrading place with a bright history in Krasnoyarsk, was selected. Thorough research and examination are required to extract the values of the place. For the experiment, students conducted a deep analysis of historical facts, values, narratives, habits, and beliefs before developing their project proposals. The paper questions the role of the university and architects in the heritage process of modern Siberian city, experimenting with the particular precedent in Krasnoyarsk and suggests the methods of participation in sustaining identity and providing continuity in historical environments.