Wooden architecture conservation and restoration

Organizer: Kizhi Open Air Museum

Partners:

• ICCROM
• Petrozavodsk State University, UNESCO Chair «Wooden Architecture Research and Preservation»
• Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation

Justification

The Russian North is a treasury of wooden architecture. The unique tradition of vernacular wood construction has been highly developed and preserved there, and rich experience in wooden architecture conservation has been accumulated.

The main part of the course “Wooden architecture conservation and restoration” will be held in the largest open air museum of Russia, the Kizhi museum, the collection of which includes 83 wooden architecture monuments. The basis of the museum collection is the UNESCO WHS Kizhi Pogost (XVIII- XIX cc.). Currently, the Kizhi Open Air Museum is carrying out the unique restoration of the Church of the Transfiguration built in 1714. The works are being carried out using the unique technology (step-by-step lifting and disassembly of the walls) developed taking into account the complicated configuration of the structure. Following the recommendations of ICOMOS and UNESCO experts, restorers of the Kizhi museum share their unique experience with the purpose to preserve wooden architecture in Russia and in the world.

Course goals and objectives

The course goal is to disseminate professional knowledge in the field of conservation and restoration and prepare participants for practical work on wooden architecture conservation in their countries.

Objectives

• to introduce the features of Russian wooden architecture and carpentry traditions;
• to train in wooden architecture monitoring and maintenance techniques;
• to provide knowledge and practical skills on traditional and modern wooden architecture restoration techniques.

Methodology

The course is a three-week intensive program combining theory and practice. It includes visiting the most interesting wooden architecture monuments in Karelia, introducing the unique Church of the Transfiguration restoration project, and participating in lectures and workshops on wooden architecture monitoring, conservation and restoration.

The main sections of the program

1. Wooden architecture as an art form. Wooden monuments – UNESCO World Heritage sites. Features of Russian wooden architecture. Architectural ensembles in the Russian North.
2. Wood as a construction material. Search and harvesting of restoration material. Protection of wood. Dendrochronology.
3. Cultural heritage study and preservation. Conservation, preventive maintenance, and comprehensive monitoring of wooden architecture. Field classes.
4. Traditional carpentry. Carpentry and joinery tools. Workshops. Constructive features of wooden architecture, details and units.
5. Wooden architecture restoration. Restoration of the Church of Transfiguration. Analysis of restoration projects. Workshops.

All participants are expected to make a 15-minute presentation on their professional activities.

The total course program consists of 144 hours including workshops and lectures, field classes, presentations of participants, independent work with educational materials, and preparation for the exam. A written test will be held in the end of the course.   

Requirements to participants

The course invites professionals in the field of wooden architecture conservation and restoration, with practical experience in the area of not less than three years. Specialized education is desirable. All participants should have an advanced level of English.

Trainers

Classes are conducted by experts of the Kizhi museum as well as Russian and foreign experts of educational, scientific and restoration organizations having the unique knowledge and practical experience in the field of wooden architecture monitoring, conservation and restoration.

Working languages

English, Russian

Certificate

1. Participants will receive certificates of completion of the ICCROM course “Wooden architecture conservation and restoration”.
2. Upon successful completion of the final test, participant will be awarded with a certificate of 144 hours (4 ECTS) in accordance with the university program of the additional professional education from the UNESCO Chair “Wooden Architecture Research and Preservation” of the Petrozavodsk State University. Students can be admitted to the exam and receive certificates only if they attended all the classes.

Course fee

36 000 rubles (about 500 euros). The course fee includes training and all program transfers.

Participants should additionally cover food and accommodation for the period of training as well as travel expenses from the place of residence to Petrozavodsk and back, which is an additional 36 000 rubles (about 500 euros).

Grants

ICCROM provides a limited number of grants to cover part of the expenses.

Applications

Please fill out the application form and send it by e-mail: international@kizhi.karelia.ru

Contacts

We welcome all questions by email.

Letters concerning organizational issues should be sent in English or in Russian to the following address: international@kizhi.karelia.ru

Contact person: Ksenia Kuznetsova