Proposal to Create a System of Archival Materials for the Preservation of Historical Objects of St. Petersburg

Musienko Aleksandra Vladimirovna ORCID: 0000-0001-8785-3943 Specialist, St. Petersburg State Institution "Customer's Directorate" 191023, Russia, Saint Petersburg,Torgovii lane , 2 mus210586@gmail.com Other publications by this author

Akulova Nadezhda Aleksandrovna PhD in Architecture Associate Professor, Department of Reconstruction and Restoration of Architectural Heritage, St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering 190005, Russia, Saint Petersburg region, Saint Petersburg, 2nd Krasnoarmeyskaya str., 4 naroma@list.ru

Introduction

The experience of generations of restorers has formed a proven system that reflects approaches to the preservation of the monument and variations in solutions to the tasks set. Some solutions have been criticized by the scientific community and the public, while others have received sustained practical application. For this reason, the value of implemented solutions and techniques is a valuable material for the restoration community. However, what was good for one cultural heritage site (hereinafter referred to as the WINDOW) may ruin another. Due to these circumstances, an individual approach to the restoration object has become the optimal resolution of modernity.

According to the data of the Committee for State Control, Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments (hereinafter – KGIOP) for 2020, in the territory of St. Petersburg?There are 8,983 windows in St. Petersburg, of which 3,762 windows of federal significance, 2,509 windows of regional significance, and 2,712 identified windows. These statistics provide an understanding of the scale of the objects to be preserved and the huge potential of the information material created on its basis.

The relevance of the study is due to the need to gain access to complete information about a particular window, necessary for carrying out design work and research. The volume of scientific material at the moment does not allow us to quickly obtain the necessary information for the designated tasks. For example, only the amount of documentation required for the development of GOST R 55528-2013 (National standard of the Russian Federation. The composition and content of scientific and design documentation for the preservation of cultural heritage sites. Historical and cultural monuments. General requirements ^[1] for the performance of restoration work on cultural heritage sites) consists of a variety of books that limit the operational search for relevant data.

It can be assumed that the systematization of historical, architectural and restoration materials for windows will provide specialists with the most holistic perception of the whole picture of changes taking place at the facility. One source will combine the individual life story of the WINDOWS and reflect the technical capabilities of its time. This systematization is also necessary in connection with the digital development of Russia and the implementation of the project to create a national data lake - combining depersonalized data from authorities at all levels, allowing for the formation of advanced analytics ^[2]. Data processing for government analytical services will serve to optimize the work of government agencies and budget organizations by means of automated document generation.

To achieve this goal, it is necessary to solve a number of the following tasks: to identify studies indicating the analysis of the restoration of windows; determine the need to optimize the search for information on windows among specialists in the restoration field; formulate a proposal for simplified access to complete and reliable information.

In the modern world, there is a stable attention to the field of windows. Based on the analysis of research by K. I. Musin ^[3] and M. S. Shumilkin ^[4], revealing the chronology of restoration work and restoration methods used at the sites indicated in the reviews, it is possible to draw conclusions about the interest in the experience of repair and restoration activities. Restoration methods are of particular interest to specialists. This is confirmed by the high appreciation of such monumental monographs as "Stroganov Palace layered clearing". The history of the restoration of the famous St. Petersburg building" ^[5] and "St. Isaac's Cathedral. Sculptural decoration, balustrades of a circular column" ^[6].  This circumstance, in turn, encourages a visual analysis of restoration practices both at one site and comparing the identified experience with other objects.

The induction method contributes to the development and promotion of the direction of window preservation and leads to significant conclusions. The evidence of this fact is the materials of X's research. Abass ^[7], E. A. Klyukina ^[8], N. A. Kosenkova ^[9]. The illumination of restoration methods is, first of all, valuable for the object itself. This is explained by the practical importance of this activity as a means of optimizing the workflow. It serves as a starting point in the development of future approaches and other recommendations in the processes of monument preservation.

In the work of Yu. A. Gorelik and E.N. Baulina ^[10], we see the justification of the project proposal for the restoration of the object, based on the pre-project results. However, there is no information about the materials used and the methods of work. This can be explained by the fear of possible criticism from the practicing community. In our opinion, the openness of restoration practice should be welcomed.

It is worth noting the regulatory aspect of the restoration sphere. The study of this issue is devoted to the study of T. A. Mitrokhin ^[12], which notes that the procedure for carrying out restoration measures was previously simpler. As we prepare for the restoration work today, we can visually assess the evolution of this process. In this situation, specialists often face a lack of research from previous years, on which they could rely in their design decisions. The way out of this situation is the possibilities of technological progress that can compensate for some of the missing archival materials, but these studies require time and financial resources. In addition, these methods are often destructive to the monument, which causes the user to fear and entails the refusal of these surveys.  In order to avoid the loss of research and conclusions on OKN ^[11], their early systematization is necessary.

The process of preserving windows is multifaceted and each aspect of it leaves an information trail that serves as the basis for modern technologies. This idea is confirmed in the studies of M. F. Hartanovich ^[13], N. G. Kubanova and Z. A. Gadzhiev ^[14], K. M. Rebec, B. Deanovich, L. Oostwegel ^[15]. From the relevance of systematization and digitalization of restoration experience, to the creation of a new information management methodology - building information modeling (BIM). Analyzing the authors' points of view, we come to the conclusion that collecting even fragmentary elements of information is important for evaluating an object. In our opinion, structuring information by WINDOWS will reduce labor costs for the implementation of restoration processes, protect information from loss, reveal the overall systemic picture of the object's life, and also become a reference material for integration into BIM, which in turn will serve to preserve both private examples of monuments and the entire world heritage.

Materials and methods

An empirical study on the topic of systematization of an information resource on WINDOWS was conducted among specialists in the field of window conservation. 30 people participated in the experiment. The participants were divided into the groups shown in Table 1.

The hypothesis of the study was as follows: "It can be assumed that the development of EI will serve to optimize the workflow of specialists in the field of conservation, use, popularization and state protection of WINDOWS."

The purpose of the study is to substantiate the need to develop an EI. Therefore, we see the need to localize information on the preservation of WINDOWS as a source of knowledge for generations. In our opinion, it will become the main tool in the development of the entire industry of window preservation, as generation after generation studies the experience of previous years, improves and applies it in practice.

The tasks of the experiment:

1.      To determine the relevance of the information on the window and the interest in its inclusion in the EI.

2.      To determine the level of satisfaction with the use of archived data on WINDOWS.

3.      To identify the fundamental attitude to the introduction of EI into the work of restoration specialists.

Table 1. Groups of respondents to the empirical study.

Empirical data for the experiment was collected in the form of a questionnaire on Google on the Internet using the Likert scale and other data visualization. The study is conducted using a quantitative method. This made it possible to visually compare the attitude of different groups to the tasks set, as well as to identify their differences and similarities.

The survey was limited to six questions without the possibility of choosing your own answer option.

The empirical study consisted in analyzing the results of the survey. The first question in the form of an approval sounded like this: "The following data should be included in the content of the EI:". The respondents were asked to choose one or more answers:

1. A list of archival sources for each window (located in the KGIOP, FSUE "Research Institute of Special Project Restoration "Special Project Restoration", JSC "St. Petersburg Institute "Lenproekt Restoration", city archives and other information resources);

2. Brief historical background;

3.      The results of the conclusions on the probes, pits and laboratory studies of samples carried out at the window;

4. The chronology of repair and restoration activities at the window;

5.      OKN passport, conclusions of the state historical and cultural expertise.

The result of the first survey is shown in Figure 1a.

Based on the data obtained, it can be concluded that the most important for respondents of all groups are data on the lists of archival sources for this window and the chronology of repair and restoration activities at the window.

The next question allowed us to use the Likert scale to determine how convenient it is to access archived data on WINDOWS. For the statement "Currently, the use of archived information on WINDOWS is very convenient", it was proposed to determine the degree of agreement, where 1 - Completely disagree, 5 – Completely agree. The result of the survey is shown in Fig. 1b.

Based on the empirical data obtained, it can be concluded that the average level of agreement with the statement demonstrates the ambiguity of the convenience of using archival information. The average level of agreement for the group is as follows: I gr. – 3, II gr. – 3.3 , III gr. – 3.1.

The third question was aimed at determining the degree of satisfaction of the groups with the availability of archival sources and sounded as follows: "Currently there is not enough archival information on WINDOWS that makes it possible to gain an understanding of the activities for the preservation of WINDOWS."  The degree of agreement was determined by the scale of agreement, where 1 - Completely disagree, 5 – Completely agree. The result of the survey is shown in Figure 1.

The analysis of the responses demonstrates the unstable satisfaction of the survey participants with the availability of archived information on WINDOWS. The average level of agreement by group is as follows: I gr. – 2.8, II gr. – 3.7, III gr. – 3.3. 

The opinion of the groups on the statement "EI will reduce the time to obtain the necessary information on the WINDOW" was aimed at obtaining an assessment of respondents using the Likert scale.  The degree of agreement was determined by the scale of agreement, where 1 - Completely disagree, 5 – Completely agree. The result of the survey is shown in Figure 1.

Based on the data obtained, there is a predominant agreement of the groups with the statement. The average level of agreement by group is as follows: I gr. – 4.1, II gr. – 4.4, III gr. – 3.3. 

In the fifth statement that "the EI should become a mandatory part of the initial permits provided together with the task of carrying out work on the preservation of windows", the groups chose one of the answers: agree/ disagree. The result of the survey by groups is shown in Fig. 1 d, and in Fig. 1 e, the overall result of the respondents is presented.

Evaluating the results of the responses by groups, it can be concluded that there is a noticeable disagreement in the I gr. and similarity in agreement with the statement in the I gr. and II gr.

In the final question, the groups were asked to express a principled attitude to the hypothesis, which sounded as follows: "the development of EI will be a product of optimizing the workflow of specialists in the restoration industry." The result of the survey by groups is shown in Figure 1 g, and Figure 1 h shows the overall result of the respondents.

According to Fig. 1 g, it is possible to identify an unambiguous agreement with the statement in gr. I and gr. III and a slight difference of opinion in gr. I. Fig. 1 h. clearly demonstrates the prevailing agreement among the groups.

Thus, it was revealed that all groups have an interest in EI, as well as preferences for its content.  The convenience of using archived information of the group was rated as average. The sufficiency of archival information is also determined by average satisfaction. The participants mostly agree with the statement that the EI will reduce the time to receive information on the WINDOW.  The groups expressed overwhelming agreement with the statement on the inclusion of EI in the initial permits, and also almost unanimously agree that the development of EI will be a product of optimizing the workflow of specialists in the restoration industry. Summing up the results of the experiment, we can say that the hypothesis has been proven – the goal has been achieved, the tasks have been solved.

Discussion

The results of the experiment show that the systematization of information on WINDOWS, as well as the development of databases, is an urgent issue among the restoration community. Specialists involved in the issues of preserving WINDOWS express interest in the development of EI and consider it a product of optimizing work processes in the future. In view of the continuous development of the restoration industry processes, generalization, analysis of the developed information, as well as their structured storage is its logical consequence.

Given the intensive spread of digital culture, the development of EI will be a product of this process. Research suggests the need to develop the digitalization of the modern community. It is inevitably introduced into the state system, as it carries a number of advantages that simplify communications between government agencies and increase the availability of information to society. (I. V. Chernova ^[16] and E. A. Zavyalova ^[17]).

Like many innovations, the development of digitalization has two sides of the coin, creating barriers to digitalization both in Russia and in the global experience (Wilson C., Mergel I. ^[18],). Research by S. V. Volodenkov ^[19] considers potential risks beyond control. In the case of the idea of developing an EI, among the respondents of the experiment there were participants expressing concern that the finished material on historical information on WINDOWS would remove responsibility from design organizations in terms of searching for additional information on windows, which are justification and clarification when working on the monument. However, we see a solution to a promising problem by entering the terms of use of the EI and the requirements for the development of the project.

The development of information bases for both internal, interstructural and public use is an established successful practice.  One of the striking examples is the information system for urban planning activities (hereinafter – ISOGD) in St. Petersburg, which is an information system containing information, documents, materials on the development of territories, on their construction, on existing and planned capital construction facilities and other information necessary for urban planning activities. An information system such as MapInfo and RGIS (the state information system of the executive bodies of state power of St. Petersburg) has also proven itself in use.?St. Petersburg).

It is worth noting that in terms of obtaining information on the state archives of the city, there is such an electronic resource as the Navigator on the state websites of St. Petersburg ^[20]. This resource provides the ability to search through archival documents and reference books, by keywords. However, the search is performed according to the words included in the name of the document.

The information contained in these resources is taken into account when developing projects for the restoration and adaptation of windows for modern use. In view of these circumstances, we believe that it would be possible to combine the above-mentioned resources and ITS. The result of such an association will increase the efficiency of public administration (G.P. Sorokina ^[21]).

One of the options for accessing the materials of the EI is to consider the possibility of obtaining information from the EI using the means of the portal "Public Services", which is continuously developing and provides more and more opportunities to society.

Conclusions

The study of windows is a continuous process that occupies its niche in scientific research aimed at preserving windows.  The search and systematization of information developed since the implementation of the WINDOW is the basis for these processes. In this regard, the proposal to create an EI meets the request of specialists in the field of preserving WINDOWS in terms of prompt and full access to a reliable information resource. The essence of this proposal is as follows.

The purpose of the EI is to create one of the main tools combining electronic information systems and archives of the city (containing urban planning data, archival and bibliographic information, iconographic materials, design and accounting documents).

System format: electronic resource - database.

The structure of the EI: initial documentation and other data; urban planning materials; archival and bibliographic materials; design materials; expertise.  

These sections assume different access modes (free/restricted/especially restricted). Restricting access to some information is necessary in order to protect it from misuse.

To achieve the above-mentioned goal, it will be necessary to create a working group responsible for the inventory of information on WINDOWS. The activities of the specialists of this group will be aimed at filling out individual cards / personal account for each WINDOW separately according to a given structure, with direct links to the source and the digitized document, if available. Thus, an integrated system will allow researchers, architects, restorers and historians to gain an exhaustive understanding of the availability of archival materials on the studied window, their storage location, as well as to familiarize themselves with digitized copies.

Additionally, the system provides for the search for information by keywords, as this option will significantly reduce the search time for the necessary material. To optimize the process of entering information related to keywords, it is necessary to introduce a requirement for its designation at the stage of development of project documentation and its output to a separate document.

By manually entering, the specialist of the working group will enter the data on keywords in the card / personal account of the window. Keywords are subject to distribution under the following headings: the value of windows, type of windows, condition, architectural style, types of finishing materials, artistic techniques of decoration, objects of DPI, architects, craftsmen, manufacturers, owners.

According to the above conclusions, the structure of the window card (personal account) in the EI system is presented (Fig. 9).

Thus, for the first time, the EI will provide an opportunity to promptly obtain reliable and complete information on the windows of St. Petersburg to specialists in the field of conservation, use, popularization and state protection of windows.

Illustrations

Fig. 1

The structure of the card (personal account) of the cultural heritage object

Fig. 2

You can simply select and copy link from below text field.