Kent O. Bhupathi

Past, Present & Future Frontiers: Moscow, Russian

Federation

“Moscow…so much of your tune From which the Russian heart emerged,

How many riches it imparts”

1. Moscow is not only Russia's largest city (population), but it is also Russia's fastest growing city. Do you think the city planning of Moscow can accommodate this increased density, or not?

No, no existing plans to build new housing to make it possible to provide housing for everyone. Leaving out the question that the vast majority of Muscovites simply cannot buy a house call. In Moscow last 10 years at least a very acute problem of lack of free space for new housing. There was even a term, "infill development", is literally in the yard when the existing house built over another house. The objective problem of the lack of free space is compounded by the fact that the city government for many years in the distribution of small amounts of free building sites primarily come from private commercial interests. In this sense, illustrative example of the construction of the "City”. Expensive, but not objectively correct city project.

2. Moscow has a similar city planning to Paris, and Paris has been viewed as very congested and inaccessible for public transport. Moscow, on the other hand, has been credited with a very successful metro! Do you think that Moscow's metro makes the city more accessible and efficient? Is it easy or difficult to find your way around the city?

Depends on time of day. Yes, Metro will certainly help, it's the fastest way to travel to Moscow, but in the morning, in the so-called "rush hour" (7-9 am and 5-8 pm) to drive is very difficult, time consuming and much more (as long as you come into the car, which is packed to overflowing, yet stand up to the transition) than in the afternoon, when the subway is more or less freely.

3. Moscow has several historic and iconic buildings that give life to the city! Other than the main attractions such as St. Basil's, Red Square, the Kremlin.....are there any other notable public areas or spaces of Moscow? New York City has central park, Chicago has Millennium Park, and Oslo has the piers and ports. What else makes Moscow distinguishable and gives to the experiences of the city? Why?

I prefer Moscow’s parks (Chistiye Prudi), embankment of Moskva-river, all the centre.

4. Do you think that Moscow is "well-balanced”? (Helps to distinguish public from private space)?

In my opinion, the distinctiveness of Moscow is in its diversity. Being the capital of Russia in years, Moscow was through all the changes in various architectural styles and concepts. As a result, you can easily see a modern soviet building and a church are situated close by, gigantic prospects going straight and winding streets branching off. It is just the big patchwork quilt. Nevertheless, I don't think Moscow is a well-balanced city. The cause of this are modern times that have been transforming Moscow since 90's into the place with lack of private places in the centre of the city and public spaces in the suburbs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5j6GffonuAs