Art nouveau by Sergei Vincent. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Harbin

Abstract

The article reflects the interim results of a study conducted under the grant of the Russian Foundation for Basic Research “Architectural Image of the Motherland: Budapest, St. Petersburg, Harbin. European and national (local) aspects in Russian and Hungarian architecture - a comparative study of the turn of the 19th - early 20th centuries.” Using as an example the work of Sergei Alexandrovich Vincent, a well-known Far Eastern architect, civil engineer, public figure, graduate of the St. Petersburg Institute of Civil Engineers, we consider the evolution of the Art Nouveau style in the architecture of the Eastern outskirts of the Russian Empire. A brief biographical sketch outlines the educational background of S.A. Vincent and main landmarks in his creative and professional path. The architect’s projects realized in St. Petersburg, Vladivostok and Harbin are reviewed. The Art Nouveau style in the master's work is shown to transform from rationality in the first buildings to more expressive and oriental stylistics in later works. The article celebrates the contribution of the architect to the development of the region’s architecture and railway infrastructure during its initial development is highlighted, and the importance of S.A. Vincent’s professional activities on the development of Harbin during the emigration period.

Keywords

• architecture
• style
• modern
• institute of civil engineers
• st. petersburg
• vladivostok
• harbin
• vincent
• creative heritage
• cer