Urban territories

Karres en Brands together with Strelka KB and KCAP worked on developing a manual with a set of principles and design guidelines to improve the quality of open spaces in more than forty cities across Russia. The aim of the manual is to adapt Russian cities to the social and natural challenges of today, but at the same time trigger a new discussion about existing urban planning policies and regulations in the Russian Federation.

The manual entails several points. It defines a set of ambitions for the future city (sustainability, resiliency and identity) and it defines (micro)climatic characteristics as a core parameter to be considered in future urban plans and public spaces. Cities throughout Russia are lying in various climate conditions, which makes it essential to consider and provide locally adjusted solutions instead of applying the same approach everywhere. Furthermore, the manual sets several principles for a landscape strategy, which stresses the need to work from local landscape characteristics, natural and urban networks and places connected to them. Furthermore, it provides a palette of elements and materials, which can be used as a source of inspiration for urban improvements. The manual provides a list of guidelines on how to make good quality public spaces such as streets, green networks, parks, squares and how to articulate the transition between public and private domain.

The manual focusses on elaborating a set of principal architectural and planning solutions for suburban, semi urban and urban conditions respectively. For each zone, an exemplary masterplan is developed which shows an overall set up of possible building typologies and public spaces. The masterplan is explained through several types of public space such as streets, parks, squares, spaces in front of social infrastructures and courtyards. For each space, guidelines on their character, maintenance, size and potential use are given.

The manual of principles and design guidelines is accompanied by a catalogue of elements concerning stormwater management, climate comfort measures and outdoor surfaces corresponding to different climates.