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At the Urban Forum, a high-profile discussion explored upgrading construction in gardening non-profit associations (SNTs) — the plenary session “100 Ideas for SNT Standard 2036,” organized with the Union of Gardeners of St. Petersburg and Leningrad Region. SNTs, often associated with dachas, barbecues, and gardens, are becoming platforms for new approaches to life, architecture, and technology.

Moderated by Alexander Russkikh, Chairman of the Union of Gardeners and Deputy of the Leningrad Regional Assembly, experts Vladislav Nikolaev, Dmitry Kudinov, and Tatyana Sergienko discussed SNT development prospects. Standardization and typology emerged as tools to organize chaotic development. Experts concluded that typical solutions are not the enemy of creativity—they make innovation manageable in terms of time, budget, and quality.

The focus was on a human-centered approach: residents’ opinions, studies of their perception of the urban environment, lighting, and design. Examples included Moscow and Norilsk, where dynamic lighting helps people orient themselves by time of day. Even paving innovations were discussed — porous, self-cleaning, and photocatalytic surfaces preventing puddles, dirt, and emissions.

Sustainability is a trend. Manufacturers are encouraged to use waste and recycled materials. This is more than a “green agenda” — it is a new reality where even cement can be eco-friendly.

Vladislav Nikolaev emphasized: “SNTs and dacha culture in Russia are unique and have enormous development potential. It is important to create multifunctional environments through recreational infrastructure, landscaping, sports, green economy, and a comfortable digital space for remote workers.”

For innovations to work, communities are needed to foster their integration into modern infrastructure — a matter of education and open dialogue, as demonstrated in the plenary discussion.