Restoration of the Urban Environment of a Microdistrict in Krasnoyarsk, Russia

Urban regeneration housing has emerged as a critical architectural strategy for revitalizing aging residential microdistricts across post-Soviet cities. In Krasnoyarsk, Russia, this project "Restoration of the urban environment of the microdistrict in the city Krasnoyarsk(Russia)"  proposes a sensitive yet forward-looking restoration of an existing microdistrict, transforming it into a socially vibrant, environmentally responsive, and family-oriented living environment. Designed by Caterina, Nadejda Nadejda, and Elena, the project rethinks collective housing through spatial symbolism, intergenerational living, and sustainable architectural interventions.

Site Context: Krasnoyarsk and the Microdistrict Model

Krasnoyarsk’s urban fabric is shaped by large-scale Soviet-era microdistricts—efficient but often monotonous residential zones lacking strong social identity. Located within the Oktyabrsky district, the project site sits amidst repetitive housing blocks and underutilized open spaces. Rather than replacing the existing structure, the proposal focuses on urban regeneration housing as a restorative process, enhancing spatial quality while preserving the social memory of the place.

The general plans illustrate the project’s position within Russia, the city of Krasnoyarsk, and the neighborhood scale, clearly identifying the intervention area as a catalyst for wider urban improvement.

Concept: The Bird’s Nest as an Architectural Metaphor

At the heart of the design lies the metaphor of a bird’s nest—a universal symbol of home, protection, family, and the beginning of life. This concept informs both the spatial organization and architectural expression of the project. Just as a nest supports different stages of life, the housing model is designed to accommodate younger and older generations while fostering their interaction.

The building becomes a protective shell around a shared inner courtyard, reinforcing the idea of collective living while maintaining individual privacy. This symbolic approach strengthens the emotional connection between residents and their living environment, a key objective of contemporary urban regeneration housing.

Spatial Strategy: Vertical Extension and Two-Level Living

Rather than expanding horizontally, the project introduces additional upper floors, carefully integrated into the existing urban scale. These new levels house two-level apartments connected by open galleries, creating visual and social connections between residents. The open galleries act as semi-public spaces, encouraging informal encounters and reinforcing community bonds.

This vertical strategy not only increases residential density without overwhelming the site but also allows for more efficient land use—an essential principle in sustainable urban regeneration housing.

Public Courtyard and Intergenerational Space

The space between the residential blocks is transformed into a public courtyard—a green, sheltered environment designed for leisure, play, and everyday interaction. This courtyard functions as the social heart of the microdistrict, accommodating children’s activities, quiet resting areas for the elderly, and shared spaces for families.

The project carefully distinguishes zones for younger generations, older residents, and their intersection, ensuring inclusivity without segregation. This layered public realm reflects a holistic understanding of community-oriented urban regeneration housing.

Environmental Design and Roof Utilization

Sustainability is integrated through operable roofs and solar panels, enhancing energy efficiency while providing additional communal and functional spaces. Roof surfaces are designed to support technical systems as well as leisure activities, reinforcing the idea that every architectural element contributes to daily life.

Balconies are zoned to support small-scale urban gardening, further strengthening residents’ relationship with nature. These strategies position the project as an environmentally conscious model of urban regeneration housing suited to contemporary climatic and social demands.

Facade Articulation and Architectural Identity

The facades balance repetition and variation, echoing the nested structure of the conceptual metaphor. Green elements integrated into balconies and elevations soften the building mass and improve microclimatic conditions. The architectural language remains calm and human-scaled, ensuring that the intervention enhances rather than dominates the surrounding neighborhood.

Through careful articulation, the facades express both unity and individuality—key qualities for successful collective housing.

Housing Typologies and Flexibility

Multiple apartment sizes—ranging from compact units to large family dwellings—allow the microdistrict to support diverse household structures. The clear organization of plans ensures functional efficiency while maintaining adaptability over time, an essential requirement for resilient urban regeneration housing.

This project demonstrates how urban regeneration housing can move beyond technical renewal to address social, emotional, and environmental dimensions of living. By reinterpreting the microdistrict through the metaphor of a bird’s nest, the proposal creates a nurturing residential environment rooted in family, community, and sustainability. In Krasnoyarsk, it stands as a thoughtful model for restoring urban neighborhoods while preparing them for future generations.