Methods of historicization of estate landscapes of Moscow

Abstract

The object of this research is the methods used in design practices of post-Soviet time to give historical appearance to landscapes of former estates of Moscow region, which faded away, i.e. the methods of historicization. The landscapes under review are being protected by the government as the objects of Moscow cultural heritage, and designated as museums (reserve museums) and public parks. The subject of this research is disclosure of the essence of these methods and their assessment from the perspective of alignment with historical primary sources, implementation, proliferation, and attractiveness. The author conducts systematization of methods in accordance to the degree of conformance to the historical realities, and divides them into the following groups: 1) that provide accurate reproduction of historical forms, 2) that create similarities, 3) that create new forms. Each group is divided into subgroups. By frequency of application, the leading place belongs to the methods of first group, which are aimed at reproduction of the shapes of buildings and structures. The rest two methods focus on reviving the memory of the past. The application is attributed to new construction, which can be assessed as landscape evolution and a modern artistic phenomenon. The methods of second group lead to landscape development in spirit of historicism, while the methods of third group – to the development of territory based on modern vision of the past. The conducted analysis is valued for the general outlook upon the process of preservation of one of the most complex types of cultural heritage of Moscow.