What to Read on Urbanism in 2026? New Fundamental Research in the TATLIN Online Library
What to Read on Urbanism in 2026? New Fundamental Research in the TATLIN Online Library
Ten urban studies have been added to the open-access electronic library of TATLIN, Russia’s leading publishing house specializing in architecture, design, and art. These are analytical works by the Agency for Strategic Development “CENTER,” which over the years have become landmark publications in the field of territorial development, including at the national level. Among them are, for example, an assessment of key trends in the redevelopment of Moscow’s industrial zones, a study of Grozny’s development potential, and research that formed the basis of the Integrated Territorial Development (KRT) Standard.
“The studies are of interest both to experts in territorial development — managers, researchers, consulting professionals — and to those just beginning their careers in this field: students and young specialists. For us, it has always been important to contribute to the development of the industry not only by providing services but also by openly sharing our experience. This helps raise professional standards and strengthens competition, ultimately benefiting the entire professional community,” noted Sergei Georgievskii, Co-founder, Agency for Strategic Development “CENTER.”
New Additions: Key Studies Shaping Urban Development
A comprehensive study of the evolution of industrial territories over the past decade. It goes beyond identifying trends - it analyzes the structural challenges Moscow faces at a new stage of economic transformation and provides practical recommendations to address them. The document creates a framework for professionals to understand, through real cases, how to align industrial development with a balanced urban environment.
An analytical foundation for participants of a unique nationwide competition. As a result, all three cities received integrated development strategies through 2040 aimed at improving quality of life, strengthening infrastructure and urban environment, and attracting investment flows to drive local economic growth.
Prepared as part of one of the Agency’s flagship projects - the master plan of Argun. The document received the highest award at the international PROESTATE Awards in the “Master Plans. Urban Planning” category. The study defines a long-term development vision and a preliminary integrated development scenario, positioning Argun as a core growth driver of the Grozny agglomeration - with a diversified economy, a strong services sector and a high-quality urban environment attractive for living.
The findings formed the basis for the technical brief of the Grozny master plan. Developed through an international competition, the document includes more than 20 investment projects - among them a tourism cluster on Grozny Sea, an Islamic financial center and the implementation of smart city systems. The master plans of Grozny and Argun were integrated into a regional master plan - the first of its kind in Russian practice.
An expert foundation for the international competition to develop the master plan of a new city in the Korsakov District. The winning concept prioritizes sustainable development, a symbiosis between nature and the urban environment, preservation of the natural landscape and the integration of innovative solutions.
A core analytical base for the master plan of one of the largest cities in Krasnoyarsk Territory. The document outlines projects and measures designed to position Minusinsk among leaders in urban environment quality. Among initiatives with a total value of nearly 100 billion rubles - the transformation of the abandoned “Minal” distillery into a modern art cluster, alongside the development of creative industries, small business and tourism.
This study laid the groundwork for a preliminary concept of a tourism and recreation cluster along Admiral Serebryakov Embankment in Novorossiysk, which became the analytical base for an international competition. The winning proposal - led by Zaha Hadid Architects - features nine futuristic multifunctional “drop-shaped” buildings connected across multiple levels.
A large-scale study covering over 1,000 residential projects across 53 cities in all federal districts. It identifies key parameters of a high-quality urban environment - car-free courtyards, mixed-use functionality, architectural identity, well-designed public spaces, sustainability and energy efficiency. The result is a comprehensive reference for regional authorities and developers. The key insight - high-quality architecture in Russia is both achievable and economically viable beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg.
This research effectively shaped the national framework for integrated territorial development. Key principles - such as commercial infrastructure, variable building heights and landscape diversity - were incorporated into the Standard. The study demonstrates that in some cases regional development already outperforms Moscow’s mass-market housing in terms of urban environment quality. It confirms that a comfortable environment is not a luxury - it is a critical driver of successful housing development.
An analysis of leading international experience across multiple countries. The study identifies universal models for delivering affordable yet high-quality living environments and creates a transferable analytical base for projects adapted to Russian conditions. A key finding - social housing can match business-class standards in terms of courtyard design and façade quality. Moreover, mid-rise development, when properly planned, can compete with high-rise projects in economic efficiency.
