ARCHITECTURE OF HOSPITALS IN ST. PETERSBURG: FROM PETROVSKY BAROQUE TO HI-TECH. PART I. PETER'S BAROQUE

Abstract

Saint Petersburg, whose history dates back to a little over 300 years, has embodied many achievements of the human spirit, mind and will. Established according to the plan of Peter the Great, it became the center of the cultural and scientific life of our country. One of the most beautiful cities in the world, thanks to its architectural ensembles, St. Petersburg can serve as a guide to the architectural styles of not only palaces, temples, administrative and industrial buildings, but also medical institutions, in particular hospitals. These objects, distinguished by their diverse  architectural styles, constitute the unique cultural and historical heritage of Russia. We are planning series of articles about the hospital architecture of St. Petersburg from a historical perspective: from its construction to the present state. Systematization of the city’s hospital institutions according to architectural styles has been developed: Peter’s baroque, classicism, eclecticism, neoclassicism, modern, constructivism, Stalinist Ampir style, functionalism, high-tech. The time frame in the description plays a secondary role; they can overlap — this is due to the parallel existence in different periods of several directions of architecture in the city’s development. Built in one architectural style, the buildings could have been rebuilt in accordance with a different style in subsequent years; a number of medical institutions were initially located in already constructed buildings that were not intended for hospitals. Presented article is devoted to Peter the Great’s baroque style — the first architectural trend of the northern capital, which arose at the beginning of the 18th century, and is associated with Peter the I’s affinity for Western European building styles. The city’s hospital architecture dates back to the construction of the first hospitals. The history of the creation of the Admiralty (Naval) and Military Land Hospitals on the Vyborg region, and the Kronstadt Naval Hospital is briefly reviewed. The discussion related to the early stage of the “military hospital business” in St. Petersburg is touched upon. An attempt was made to restore the appearance (exterior) of the Admiralty and Military Land Hospitals, based on the “Inventory of the stone and wooden structure of the hospital on the Vyborg side” compiled by D. Trezzini.