Transport architecture as a key to survival: the role of the railway in the country's development discussed at the National Centre RUSSIA
On July 31, the lecture "Transport Architecture of Russia" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the educational series "Symbols of Time." The event brought together enthusiasts of architecture and history eager to gain a deeper understanding of this unique aspect of Russian urban planning.
The discussion was moderated by art historian and architectural expert Yelizaveta Likhacheva. The lecture featured contributions from:
— Airat Bagautdinov, architectural historian, tour guide, head of the educational company "Through the Eyes of an Engineer," and chairman of the Interregional Union of Tour Guides;
— Alexander Zmeul, PhD in History, independent researcher, curator, author, and publicist.
The topic of the event was Russia’s transport infrastructure. Throughout the country’s history, railway stations, airports and bridges have become more than just functional structures — they have served as prominent architectural landmarks, embodying the spirit of their era. These objects, often regarded as purely utilitarian, are in fact a synthesis of engineering expertise, technological innovation and artistic craftsmanship.
"For our country, transport is the most relevant issue, given its vast territory and the inaccessibility of many regions. For us, railway stations are often far more significant than people might imagine. For instance, life in Southern Siberia runs along the Trans-Siberian Railway. Just a bit north or south of it — and life fades away, as it is impossible to get there. In Russia, the typology of railway stations is of utmost importance, even with the development of other modes of transport. Rail remains the country’s primary mode of transportation. Since the launch of the first railway between Saint Petersburg and Pavlovsk, the railway has connected our country into a unified transport space," emphasised Yelizaveta Likhacheva, opening the lecture.
The audience learned that railway tracks first appeared in the United Kingdom, with construction linked to coal mining operations. The first passenger route was launched in Wales in 1825 between a mine and miners’ homes. Rail transport quickly proved itself to be convenient, ushering in a new phase of the technical revolution. As Airat Bagautdinov noted, the first railway stations in London symbolised gateways to new spaces, though they were initially lacking in functionality.
"Our engineers adopted the experience of foreign colleagues when building the railway between Saint Petersburg and Pavlovsk. Railway stations only began to appear in the mid-19th century. That’s when architects started thinking about how they should look: whether they should embody the image of ceremonial city gates, or a palace, or a public building, or something high-tech. Transport architecture has become one of the boldest, most experimental and innovative genres of the past 150 years," said Airat Bagautdinov.
The architectural historian added that over time, railway stations became not only architectural structures but also outstanding feats of engineering, through which countries competed in technological progress.
Alexander Zmeul, renowned for his in-depth research in the field of architecture, expanded on this idea by noting that passengers’ modern perception of railway stations has its roots in the 19th century.
"The paradigm of transport service that emerged by the mid-19th century has been preserved to this day — even though our ideas of comfort and train speeds have changed. Yet we still know that a railway station must have press stands and food outlets," the expert noted.
Gradually, railway stations are evolving into multifunctional centres with a wide range of retail offerings. These structures are gaining expansive concourses and monumental facades.
Particular attention during the lecture was devoted to the Trans-Siberian Railway, which, as Yelizaveta Likhacheva emphasised, remains one of the most iconic railway routes to this day.
The event was part of the educational programme of the National Centre RUSSIA, aimed at preserving and promoting the country’s architectural legacy. As the organisers noted, the lecture series "Symbols of Time" will continue and expand to include discussions on visual art, sculpture, photography, fashion and the role of the curator in contemporary culture.
