Revived Architecture

A unique 3D-mapping project by the German Embassy and QGallery was presented on the walls of the Fantasia bathhouse in Baku. On July 21, 2022, a presentation of an original 3D mapping on the "Fantasia Bathhouse" walls was held in Baku. Deputy Ambassador of Germany to Azerbaijan, Mr Heiko Schwarz, noted at the presentation that the Embassy, in cooperation with art galleries QGallery, QGallery Berlin, Qala Sığorta OJSC and Qala Həyat OJSC announced a digital art competition "Revived Architecture" on 8 July 2021 within the frames of the events devoted to the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Germany and Azerbaijan. The "Revived Architecture" concept embraced notable structures, impressive buildings and hidden urban 'treasures' that contain a unique history," said Mr Heiko Schwartz. The project focused on 3D mapping, a unique audiovisual art technology with limitless artistic potential. An open vote revealed two winners out of 30 finalists who were particularly creative in their submissions. They were graduates of the State Academy of Arts Yagut Kalbaliyeva with the project "Fantasia Bathhouse" and Sevinj Guliyeva with the project "Museum of Stone Chronicle". Technical implementation of the Fantasia Bathhouse project was carried out with the participation of Digital Bohemia. During his speech, Mr Heiko expressed his gratitude for the support of the organisers and sponsors of the project, particularly Mr Emin Mammadov, Artistic Advisor of the H. Aliyev Foundation, Chairman of Azerkhalcha OJSC, founder and owner of QGallery Baku and QGallery Berlin, Mr Kamal Ibrahimov, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and Mr Aydin Rahmanov, Vise-Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Qala Life and Qala Insurance as well as Mr Elshad Hasanov, Head of Yasamal District Executive Authority for the project facilitating. The Fantasia Bathhouse was built in 1886 based on the designs of Nikolai von der Nonne, a famous engineer and architect of German descent in Baku. Since August 2001, the Fantasia Bathhouse has been taken under the protection of the state as an architectural monument of local historical and cultural significance. Yagut Kalbaliyeva's project reflected how life in the area where the building is located, from the day of its construction to the present day, what the time, people and atmosphere were like, how technical progress was made, and the world was changing. It was an excursion into the history of the building. The presentation aroused great interest amongst residents and guests of the city, including public representatives, diplomatic missions and cultural figures.