Case studies
Case Study
Kronprinz barracks
Reviving architectural heritage
What happened?
Kronprinz, a large architectural heritage site, has been the focus of attention for the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Art for 15 years. Dozens of public art projects have been implemented, along with concerts and exhibitions. The potential redevelopment of the Kronprinz barracks as a creative and recreational space is on the current agenda. After a thorough sociological, historical study and mapping workshop the cultural planning team created local newspaper and artistisc promenade performance "The Kronprinz Path" - a collective walk in mockumentary style performance is based on the study.
- Who can help?
- interntional cultural institutions
- local authorities
- schools and educational institutions
- local initiative gropus
- experts
Why?
The challenge this project addresses is the insufficient use of the buildings and their deteriorating structural condition. Yet, at the same time, local residents are voicing the need for more public space as well as cultural and educational facilities.
Therefore, the overall goal is to test and propose ways to redevelop Kronprinz as a city-wide, regional, and international cultural platform that can also support local communities and generate social involvement and participation.
How? (tools & methods)
- The project was implemented according to the method of urban cultural planning.
- Mapping (of the territory issues, its valuable and significant places, and stakeholders and potential partners) was carried out during the study, and through the analysis of information from open sources, interviews with local residents and residents of the Kronprinz barracks, consultations with experts, as well as a research workshop.
- The vision was formed through the research data and during a workshop with townspeople, barracks residents, and experts in local history, urban studies, and art. Specific design solutions for the Kronprinz territory were an essential component of the research workshop. The project team developed cultural and art solutions and involved experts and artists.
- The implementation stage included the creation and presentation of the promenade performance By the Routes of the Kronprinz, the preparation and publication of a regional newspaper (three issues), the development and publication of the Art-Guide, and the organization of an art residence with installations in the Kronprinz quarter.
For whom?
- The project involved groups that are relevant for planning the cultural development of the Kronprinz barracks and the neighbourhood:
- residents represented by citizens of different age, gender, occupation;
- managers and employees of institutions and organizations located in the premises
- audience of the Baltic branch of the NCCA, including regular visitorsic of public space and sense of place.
- How much time is needed?
- 3 months of mapping
- 6 months continiued mapping combined with visioning workshops, and designing
- 3 months implementation
What worked out?
Artistic interventions, like the promenade performance, allow to reach out to very diverse audiences, which are open to dialogue concerning art, culture, and local history.
- Curators:
- "Once again, we saw that art is a universal language that helps start communication between very different people, engaging them emotionally first and then intellectually."
What should you be aware of?
Some local residents are suspicious of such collective walks, especially if a group of people gathers, even for a short time, in a public courtyard or square. Some residents would call the police while taking a passive position. Similar communication issues were resolved on the spot through information, conversation and invitations to join the walks.
- Curators:
- "Our experience has shown that when the performance is free and held outdoors, some residents are suspicious (...) In all situations that arose, the problems were resolved, and some of the more sceptical townspeople later came to the performance as spectators."documenting events
