GLOSSARY OF ARCHITECTURE

Smolensk Fortress State Museum

https://smolkrepost.ru/glossary

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Smolensk Fortress Museum tells about certain architectural elements of the fortress forming its special appearance in the series of the Glossary of Architecture posts.

Glossary of Architecture by the Smolensk Fortress Museum provides pictures of architectural elements related to the history of fortified structures.
Currently, there is no other web resource in Russia that allows you to learn about the structure of fortresses and mutual penetration of cultural traditions specific to various defensive techniques. The subject seems to be quite relevant. One of the important tasks is to give new knowledge to citizens and guests of Smolensk, open up historical layers by means of holistic image of how Smolensk fortifications expanded and developed during the IX-XX centuries.
The project is being implemented as part of the Year of Science and Technology. Project is distinct for its interactivity. Number of articles (starting with 20) is constantly increasing. People get interested and continue to send their requests for the description of this or that term to the project team. New articles prepared by the museum staff are posted in the Glossary of Architecture section.
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WE HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED THE FIRST POSITIVE FEEDBACK FROM CITY GUIDES WHO "IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS" ONLINE ON THE WEBSITE OF OUR MUSEUM

Smolensk Fortress State Museum

How to come up with an outstanding online cultural project?

The most relevant ideas of cultural projects are usually in the air. Smolensk Fortress is one of the largest fortresses in the world. Fortification architecture is fundamentally different from residential and public buildings of these days. Elements of walls and towers, ditches and ramparts as well as their constituting parts have the names which are often unknown to modern people. The Glossary of Architecture project allows us to review these highly specialized concepts on the example of a single architectural ensemble.

What hidden pitfalls should be kept in mind?

Nowadays, compliance with the laws related to the copyright protection is extremely important for the implementation of any educational project. Therefore, it was impossible for us to use other people's texts and photos. All the articles and photographs were made by the museum staff as part of their working duties. This unique content makes the assets of the museum and can be used in other educational projects.

Why do we need projects like yours? What is their value to people?

It has been repeatedly suggested to make a printed illustrated dictionary of fortification terms. Virtual format made it possible to solve a vital problem almost at no cost and to draw attention to the large scale and the history of the Smolensk Fortress. Within a couple of weeks after the glossary was posted, we have already received the first positive feedback from city guides who "improve their skills" online on the website of our museum.