The basics of the design of public space in the Republic of Tatarstan were discussed in Kazan

(Kazan City KZN.RU, 6 April). In Kazan in the Center for Contemporary Culture "Change" project seminar on the implementation of the Year of the water protection zones and program of parks and squares in the Republic of Tatarstan in 2016 was held. The event was attended by President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, RT President's aide Natalya Fishman, as well as heads of municipalities and some ministries and departments of the republic.

Opening the seminar, Nataliya Fishman emphasized the need for an integrated development of territories, taking into account the natural landscape. "Connectivity of areas is very important. It is important to link the park, for example, with the main street. We need to look at the territory in context, rather than at a specific object, in which we implement the budget", - she noted. Assistant to the President of the Republic of Tatarstan emphasized the need to inform and to take in account the views of residents, calling them "major recipients" of the programs.

The seminar presented the basic principles and approaches in the design of public spaces, presented by ecologists, landscape designers and architects. In particular, the need to preserve the original natural landscape was stressed, which requires, for example, avoiding concrete constructs for landscaping of embankments. Architects, in turn, noted the importance of the conceptual design of public spaces and combining individual objects accomplishment with a single theme. For example, the well-known Danish company «Monstrum» uses this approach. It was proposed to focus on the creation of flower beds of perennial ornamental plants that require minimal care and watering in the improvement of parks and squares.

In addition, the establishment of small architectural forms for public spaces with the participation of local producers was called one of the most important areas of the program. Experts noted that such an approach can significantly save the budget, which is confirmed already by realized positive examples of cooperation of architects with local producers. The cost price of some products - benches, street lamps, litter bins - from local producers is lower in 1.5-2 and sometimes in 3 times.

Areas of improvement projects in Mendeleevsk, Muslyumovo, Saby, Mamadysh, Kukmor, Zainsk, developed within the workshop "The best place in the city: from the project to walk" were presented to participants of project seminar.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov praised the joint work of the team, who presented the draft of development of the territories. "I am convinced that within two or three years we can form a powerful world-class team that will implement these steps. All this requires a lot of time and money. But the most important thing is to plan properly. All actions, implemented not in the interests of the residents or without the involvement of the people, will be useless,"- Rustam Minnikhanov said. At the same time, according to the President, the effect of the projects in the parks and gardens improvement, realized in the past year, was enormous. The head of the republic expressed his hope that this year - the Year of the water zones protection – we will be able to achieve significant results.