The Shame of Sergei Kuznetsov: RTDA and Developers Are Building Concrete Ghettos for Muscovites

Most new buildings in Russia replicate Soviet-era panel neighborhoods. And they’re horrific—concrete ghettos, barely accessible not just to work, but even to a clinic. In other words, developers are using outdated urban planning approaches. Experts cite various reasons, ranging from developers chasing profits to the fusion of leading architects with the construction industry. However, money, apparently, isn’t the most important factor—after all, Moscow is also becoming increasingly overcrowded with human anthills.

Under the guise of dominant features and beautiful facades, entire neighborhoods of high-rise buildings, including tired-looking apartment buildings, are being approved in Moscow. This isn’t just about some suburbs like Nekrasovka, but also older neighborhoods. And this is happening in the capital, where chief architect Sergei Kuznetsov is active, with its own squalid buildings.

The Standard for Integrated Development of Territories is intended to change this situation; it outlines the rules for creating not only comfortable homes but also the infrastructure of entire neighborhoods.