MIPIM 2017: Moscow as Megaregion

The Chief Architect of Moscow Sergey Kuznetsov took part in a panel discussion of the international MIPIM exhibition 2017 called “Megaregions reshaping the global landscape. Development challenges and new management models”.

Development of Moscow as one of the global agglomerations or megaregions characterized by global processes of urbanization and concentration of economic resources became the theme to open the panel discussion on the first day of the international exhibition MIPIM 2017.

The territorial growth of such large units, as agglomerations, cause radical changes in the internal dynamics; therefore, megaregions require new mobility models, new settlement schemes, formation of activity centers and achieving the balance inside and outside the city. "We started developing approaches to master planning in respect of the Moscow agglomeration a few years ago, and today I can see great progress has been made in this direction,” said the Chief Architect of Moscow Sergey Kuznetsov. “There is a recognition that the existence of rules and city administration papers proves to be a key factor to attract investors; because no one wants to invest if there are no rules. At the same time, following examples of other world capitals, Moscow is shifting from the old model of city planning, which implies a kind of attempt to “draw” the city in the future, over the next 20-30 years, to more flexible instruments. The present approved master plan and related land use and development rules reflect our understanding how the modern agglomeration is functioning."

All agglomerations including Moscow are moving towards maximum self-government, because they cannot develop under the same principles and rules as, for example, small towns. According to Mr. Kuznetsov, this tendency implies a lot of independent legislative initiatives and regulations, which can be applied exclusively in relation to a particular metropolitan area; and of course, they cannot be effective for every city.

“I think the way we chose is to create more unique legislation compared to the regulations applied in the rest territory of Russia, surely, in terms of spatial development, and apparently, to strengthen the autonomy both at the level of territorial entities and municipalities,” said the Chief Architect of the city.

Sergey Kuznetsov also noted that in terms of interaction between master-planning and different strategic documents, Moscow and the Moscow Region require guidance. “Now it is a reaction to what is happening and, in a lesser degree, mutual planning,” said Mr. Kuznetsov. “Although we can see some processes ongoing in the Region and Moscow, but today they are more spontaneous rather than planned. Obviously, there is high potential for development.”

Let us recall that the Chief Architect of Moscow is going to take part in four events in the framework of MIPIM. On March 15 a presentation of infrastructure mega-projects is scheduled as part of the conference “Moscow. Mega-projects for development”, including: the Moscow Central Circle, transport hubs, World Cup FIFA-2018, technoparks and technopolises, Zaryadye Park, “My Street”city program, renovation of industrial areas in Moscow.

Also the conference “Creative land development. Drivers for changes in urban environment” is planned. The key issues on the agenda include: creation of comfortable urban and business environment, creative design.

On March 15, in the evening the discussion “Modern architecture: dialogue of cultures” is to be held, where the most innovative and effective technological tools, need for design codes, development of multifunctional objects and modern architectural and urban planning trends will be discussed.

The Moscow Government’s Stand presents mega-projects with high investment potential at the international exhibition. They include: renovation of industrial areas, Moscow River embankment development, creation of iconic parks, etc. A separate stand will host a presentation of the first indoor themed amusement park to be built in Moscow— “Dream Island” (GK “Regions”).

The exhibition management reports that more than 670 entrepreneurs from Russia have registered to participate in the event this year. It is a record number of Russian delegates since 2014, when 500 domestic businessmen came to MIPIM. The number of Russian participants at MIPIM-2015 was 250, and in 2016— just over 200.