In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the conference on the development of the architectural and urban planning concepts for the renovation of neighborhood units 4, 7 and 8 was successfully over. After exploring sights such as the Gorny Vozdukh Ski Resort and the Museum of Local Lore, the designers met with the Governor of the Sakhalin Region Mr. Valery Limarenko and the Mayor of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Mr. Sergei Nadsadin.

The meeting was held in the format of an exchange of views and active discussion of two topics - the renovation of the neighborhood units 4,7,8 and the development strategy of the entire Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk agglomeration. Mr. Limarenko drew designers’ attention toward the main features of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, which are unique location and nature. According to him, the development of the city as a tourist center of the region is a priority and should be taken into account when developing concepts. The goal is not to turn the city into asphalt jungle, but to preserve a cozy mid-rise development providing views on the Bol’shevik mountain. Mr. Limarenko also highlighted the need to use innovative environmentally friendly engineering and transport solutions, including parking solutions. And Mr. Nadsadin emphasized that it is necessary to take into account the interests and wishes of residents of the neighborhood units as much as possible.

With the active support and participation of the City Administration and the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a meeting with the residents was held in the Rodina Community Centre. Representatives of RTDA and concept designers were able to personally communicate with the residents in a round-table format, to find out the existing problems and features of the design area, to put on paper wishes and needs of everyone who took part in the conversation. In the days ahead, the collected opinions will be analyzed and published, as well as submitted to designers.