Preservation, formation and creation of a new architectural identity in historical rural settlements

Rural settlements with historical heritage located near megacities are becoming attractive to urban residents. The process of ruralization, the reverse of urbanization, contributes to the emergence of new functions. The deteriorating architectural environment requires the revitalization and integration of modern objects within a single artistic and aesthetic concept, in accordance with the landscape, the preservation of authenticity and identity, and the achievement of an urban ensemble. The analysis of the renovated settlements makes it possible to identify the principles of design and integration of innovations into the historical context. The results of many years of field observations and studies of rural areas in various countries, theoretical understanding of the processes of deurbanization and transformation of the modern village with an emphasis on the preservation and strengthening of architectural identity are presented. As part of actual orders from the administration of rural settlements in the Baikal region, students of Irkutsk National Research Technical University are developing projects to identify the specifics of the architectural environment and interpret traditional forms, creating modern objects with a local architectural identity. As a result of the research, two key components of a successful dialogue between modern and historical were identified: the systematization of the typology of traditional housing, which forms a homogeneous, homogeneous urban fabric, its modern interpretation enhances local identity, the emphasis on unique historical buildings and the creation of new architectural dominants serve as landmarks and symbols of the place. Some methods of designing modern architectural objects based on local historical buildings are proposed.