SMALL HISTORIC TOWNS OF RUSSIA. PRESERVING ORIGINALITY AND IDENTITY

Abstract

The peculiarity of small Russian towns is in the predominance of old buildings, mostly quickly disappearing wooden ones. Nevertheless, they remainthe basis of the construction fabricof settlements, predetermining preservation of a lot of features of the historically formed appearance of towns. The traditional features of lifeare preserved in small towns, adapting to a changing socio-cultural situation. Material and immaterial features form the basis of small towns’ identity. It is important not only to maintain the material heritage, but also additional features in the forms compatible with the tasks of preserving the “spirit of the place”. In small historic towns, the requirements of modern times are directed not “from traditions”, but, conversely, to them.