Optimizing the system of placing Orthodox parish church complexes in modern urban environment of Saint Petersburg

Abstract

The present paper discusses some solutions for optimization of the system of placing Orthodox parish church complexes (PCC) taking into account the traditions of temple architecture, current conditions and strategy of urban and socioeconomic development of Saint Petersburg. The urgency of this topic is substantiated by the construction of churches currently proceeding in Saint Petersburg. However, there is a problem of advancing the existing typology of parish complexes and enhancing the system of their placement on recently developed lands, taking into account modern environment of Saint Petersburg. The paper considers town- planning problems of the existing system of PCCs in Saint Petersburg. In order to work out some solutions for integrating various types of PCCs into the city structure, certain assessment criteria for territories of Saint Petersburg were determined. Recommendations for each type of PCCs were made, concerning the territorial placement in the city structure, possible space-planning solutions, territorial accessibility, elaboration of a site plan of a church yard.