Project goal:

—to affect the parts of the viewer’s brain responsible for generating the enzyme of joy.

Project task:

—to create a festive mood among residents and guests of St. Petersburg.

Brief historical information:

Palace Square — the main square of Petersburg. Traditionally used as a place for holding festivals, parades and public celebrations. Under the Tsars, spit roasts and barrels of wine were served for the people. Important events in the history of Russia are linked with Palace Square.

The Alexander column (monument to Alexander I) built according to the plan of Auguste de Montferrand in honor of victory in the Patriotic war of 1812. Height: 47.5 m, weight over 600 tons. The dominant feature of Palace Square. The monolithic column of Finnish granite is placed on a stylobate with three steps. The pedestal is decorated with bas reliefs with depictions of trophies. On the side of the Winter Palace is the inscription “To Alexander I from a grateful Russia”. The composition is completed with the bronze figure of an angel which crushes a snake with a cross.

Christmas Tree — a compulsory element of the Christmas celebration. The custom of having a decorated Christmas tree in the home arose among Germanic people, foir whom this tree was the symbol of life and fertility. In Christianity, the tree, decorated by multi-colored balls, acquires a new meaning: it became a symbol of the tree of paradise with abundant fruits. The tree symbolizes eternal life which people gain once more through Jesus Christ. In Russia, this custom has existed since the 18th century.

Brief project description:

Around the Alexander Column, an independent, self-supporting structure is placed, to which tree branches are attached, in such a way that a characteristic “Christmas tree” silhouette is formed. The composition also has electric lights and balls. The bronze angel that crowns the main Christmas tree in the city is actively illuminated by directed spotlights.
The construction is temporary and designed to be used during the celebration of the New Year and Christmas holidays.