27.11.2025
Nikolai Stotsky, a student of the Faculty of History of RSUH, uses modern digital technologies to popularize the architectural heritage of the Russian Federation. Our interview discusses how this approach attracts the attention of young people to the preservation of cultural heritage and establishes dialogue between the academic community and society.
[…] It has always seemed to me that architecture contains a great deal that can offer precise answers to various questions about our history. I was fascinated by the history of estates, income-generating houses, and even the most modest constructions, which some might consider unremarkable. But therein, in my opinion, lies their genuine value. […]
How did you find your method?
I was very inspired by the idea of a member of the RAS Nikolai Makarov that a historian must find ways to communicate history to those outside it. I searched for a tool for a long time and realized that one of the simplest and most effective could be Minecraft. […]
Tell us about your projects. How did it all begin?
I am currently working on two main projects. The first is my personal project, Realm 2.1. Its idea arose long ago: I wanted to demonstrate the full variety of Russian architecture by placing it into a unified system within one virtual city. This is how Nikolaevsk-na-Grechikhe appeared — a city that does not exist but in which I tried to show architectural styles from across the country in a harmonious way. […]
And what is the second project — BTE CIS?
It is part of the global project Build the Earth, whose goal is to recreate the Earth at a scale of 1:1 in Minecraft. […]
How did you establish cooperation with museum-reserves?
I began contacting museum representatives directly, sending them virtual copies of the places they represent in real life. I knew little about public relations, but I followed my principles: as a historian, I took elements from the past and tried to show people that they remain relevant today. […]
What are your future plans?
Right now I am planning two new projects: a reconstruction of the Ryazan Kremlin and work with activist Fedor Savintsev in the village of Mstiora. […]
Does RSUH support you in these initiatives? Have you considered joint projects with the University?
So far, my activity mostly consists of public presentations of my initiatives. […]
Do you feel that the Faculty of History is becoming not only a place of study but also a professional platform for you?
I am currently preparing materials to present my projects at RSUH. I must admit, there is still a great deal of work ahead — I need not only to complete my current tasks but also to correctly present the results and development plans.
Have you noticed interest in your work from other students or lecturers?
Yes, I have! In my first year, as part of the discipline ‘Management,’ I told my lecturer Natalia Briukhanova about my project. Later she invited me to participate in the program ‘The DNA of the Russian Federation’, and I am now undergoing the selection process and hope for further cooperation. […]
