Smart Sensors Monitor Aging Housing in Russia’s Historic Cities

In St. Petersburg, new digital sensors are being installed to monitor historic buildings, aiming to prevent water damage and structural failures before they happen.

Russia is turning to smart technology to monitor aging residential buildings, especially in cities known for their historic architecture. The initiative is gaining traction in St. Petersburg, the country’s cultural capital, where many buildings are over a century old and require constant oversight.

In several historic districts of the city, digital sensors are now being mounted on long-standing buildings. These devices track leaks, structural deformations, and the condition of attics and basements. They operate around the clock, measuring humidity, temperature fluctuations, and vibrations. If any readings hit critical thresholds, the system immediately sends out an alert.

The goal is to catch signs of potential failure early—before a burst pipe, flood, or collapse can occur. City officials say the installation program will continue. By 2026, at least 500 buildings in St. Petersburg’s historic center are expected to be equipped with these sensors.