Ilsur Metshin takes part in the opening of the Architectural Forum «Dialogues»

The 10th Architectural and Urban Planning Forum «Dialogues» has started today in the capital of Tatarstan. The participants – architects, developers, and urbanists – chose the theme of glass for the industry, residential construction, and urban landscaping. There were also ideas on how to repurpose former industrial zones as a creative hub. The Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin took part in the opening of the forum.

The Mayor stressed that Kazan needs bold urban planning solutions, and such events as «Dialogues» serve for the better exchange of experience.

«The sky is not the limit. No matter how beautiful spaces are – small, large, garages or skyscrapers – it all depends on our mindset. . I hope you have no limits in your thinking and that you dare to be more creative to discover new forms. The palette that emerges in architecture and art exists because of people like you.  I am very glad that there so many creative people here, and we will continue to do everything possible to implement bold projects. I am very glad to see our developers here. I am sure they will take new ideas with them and will implement them in facades, entrances, landscaping», – the Mayor said, addressing the audience.

Ilsur Metshin noted that architecture is more than just construction – it is a way to shape an environment that influences upbringing of children and the quality of life. He urged the professional community to be proactive in communication with authorities and to propose solutions for urban spaces, so that the ideas could be brought to life.

One of these ideas is the creation of creative clusters in former industrial areas, such as the former Cardboard and Printing Products Factory, where the «Dialogues» forum is taking place. The most traditional approach would be demolition followed by the construction of housing on the site. At the conference, it was proposed to house applied arts workshops, a media center, relevant amenities, cafes, and services for local residents in the vacant premises, combining architecture, design, production, and education. The space could also host forums, biennales, festivals, and exhibitions. Talented students could be offered temporary accommodation within the cluster.

After the plenary session, the conference continued with round tables, workshops and lectures. As part of the business program, experts will consider practical aspects of the use of glass in modern projects: facade solutions using laminated glass and perforation, reducing the weight of building structures, optimization of production and installation processes. A key focus will be paid to the possibilities of reducing costs without compromising the quality of the architectural solution and the implementation of complex concepts.