Urban Planning Theory and Regulations: An Expert Discussion at the Architecton Festival in St. Petersburg
In November, the second Architecton Festival took place at the Central Exhibition Hall Manege in Saint Petersburg, bringing together architects, urban planners, designers, artists, developers, students, and everyone interested in territorial development. The festival organiser, the Saint Petersburg Union of Architects, prepared an extensive lecture and discussion programme. On one of the days, speakers addressed the topic “Urban Planning Theory in the Grip of Regulation, or What Comes First?”. The discussion featured Ketevan Khelaya, Executive Director of the Agency “CENTER”.
Other speakers included Yury Bakei, Director and Chief Urban Planner of the Center of the General Plan of Saint Petersburg; Oleg Grigoryev, Director of the Institute of Spatial Planning of the Republic of Tatarstan; Anna Turgeneva, Director of Territorial Development at the Skolkovo Foundation; and Marina Yegorova, Head of the Empate. The speakers questioned what is more important—fresh ideas or established rules—and sought to determine whether regulations act as “constraints” on creativity or represent a necessary standard that preserves order in cities.
The experts noted that regulations are not bureaucratic obstacles, but rather a reflection of public interests: the desire to preserve historical heritage, ensure a comfortable environment, and provide an adequate number of social facilities. They agreed that experimentation is essential, but that innovators must take into account the urban context and existing legal frameworks. The discussion demonstrated that the future of cities emerges at the intersection of bold creative exploration and responsible adherence to rules that protect public values.
Photo: Polina Nazarova / Empate Architectural Bureau