I’d love to introduce my love to make photos for maps by tell you a story. Perhaps your have warm memories about particular place. It is not necessary to be a famous attraction. Cozy yard, favorite cafe, beautiful street. All of this have so called spirit of the place.
My very first met with this place was held about ten years ago. I took couple photos at my phone camera late evening. It was not as good as modern smartphones! You can see what i got that time.
I was walking through those quite streets. It was so different from the modern part of the city. There was calm, magic mood. In spite of closeness bustling city center! Locals was walking at open courtyards, looking after their gardens. It was so unusual so imagery of area stay with me forever.
After a while i got to know history behind this district. It was build after Second World War. Buildings were for high-ranking military, scientist, artists and politicians. Now great majority of buildings are inhabited by several generations. Good neighborly relations made it possible to maintain cosines of yards. People are more responsive when know each other personally.
Vegetation of Osmolovka are core value for the Minsk. There is approximately one thousand three hundred tress on this small area. Photos made earlier this week. Spring buds were barely visible. Literally in a couple of weeks facades will be covered in green.
I believe now the best time to see architectural elements of buildings. Houses are very simple. They have high ceilings, various small balconies. There is symbol of a rising sun at the every central attic window.
Such a quiet district close to city center couldn’t be neglected by officials. Lack of historical status has led to issue of the demolition. Finaly in 2017 public discussions took place. It was a real milestone in the story of Osmolovka. I also had been there.
During the discussion was determined crucial mistakes in renovation project. The officials was planning to sell this land as soon as possible. General public pursued the interests of Osmolovka community. Vast majority preferred to keep area untouched and give apply for historical landmark designation.
It is april 2019. I am walking around Osmolovka and see houses at the same sites. The area totally deserving historic status has finally got it! Pretty houses are renewing. It had their roof fixed. Paint work is being done. I discovered murals reflecting thoughts in local community. The associations of inhabitants and some concerned citizens were able to defend Osmolovka. The spirit of the place is maintained.
I proud to leave my digital footprint by adding these and other photos on maps. This struggle to preserve Osmolovka showed me how easily we can lost piece of history. Sharing photographs we spread our feelings for them and make historic areas sustainable.