Morphology and syntax of the urban space. Spatial reserves

Architectural and urban planning research project

Where Russia, Rostov-on-Don
Year 2017-2019
Misha Miterev

concept

Principles of reconstruction and further development of the historical city center in Rostov-on-Don

The current challenges of spatial development in urban areas require a different approach to urban renewal processes.
Project of spatial reconstruction of historical city center in Rostov-on-Don was created in an attempt to answer the question on the further development of urban space.

morphology and syntax

This work is based on the thesis, that a city with its structure can be considered as a text, with the same rules to be applied in respect to the regulation of the development processes.
Therefore, using reference sections of language structure, such as morphology and syntax in the terms of linguistics, can assist to a better understanding of city structure principles as a whole.
The approach allows to consider the territory for the urban development as a group of words in a sentence and provides the opportunity to search spatial stretching and reserves for the realization of the process.

spatial reserves

The notion of the city as a set of environmental factors implies emerging of new factors and disappearing of the old ones.
This process contributes to the appearing of spatial reserves in urban development. There’s a need for objective and correct identification of them in the structure of the city.
Using of digital building models, as well as implementing the information on city function, its population and density, helps to construct correct spatial reserves model of the territory and assume its use in the future.
Thus, a special analytical model was created in order to explore the territory for the research. A total area of 79 blocks was analysed and 60 potential spatial reserves were identified.

route system

The identified spatial reserves can be exploited in a variety of ways. This depends on the instrumental issues of the urban area, in regard to its function.
For example, newly developed sites may be used as a system of public spaces or trade halls.
However, the main task of spatial reserves re-exploiting is to create routes through new spaces.
Structuring of parcel development priorities, together with setting the routes through the territory, create conditions for the development of the existing areas.

model of public space integration. pilot projects

Several of the most relevant sites were selected as the objects for a pilot spatial development project.
Masterplan provides the creation of the first few routes in the territory, including the selected sites.
The first route consists of five spatial reserves and is aimed at the realization of five corresponding functions: recreation, work, culture, commerce and art. Detailed proposal for the development of two sites has been implemented.