Fourteenth Global Studies Conference

Abstract

This study focuses on the architectural peculiarities of the single-industry towns in former Soviet countries. It provides an overview of urban planning’s significant features that led to a unique atmosphere and somewhat inconvenient environment. The preliminary idea is that the consequences of such a construction system biased to ideological dominants echo in the development of these towns at present. The lack of social and spatial justice is evident at the level “city-to-city” and inside the city, making the surroundings sick and hopeless for the citizens. The primary purpose of this overview is to equip the scholars and the policymakers with ideas on reimagining the single-industry towns, reverting the atmosphere to positivity, and bringing the hope back. There are examples of such successful practices, where through the design and out-of-box urban solutions, the city space is transformed into a comfortable and creative area with equal opportunities for growth and evolution of the citizens available. The author sees social and spatial justice as crucial compounds for the sustainable and even development of industrial settlements. With its strict, ideologically biased forms, the post-Soviet heritage can no longer command the urban appearance of the cities. Outdated approaches, obviously not working, should be replaced with new, fresh structures that abound ingenuity and inspire to look forward to the future. Ultimately, the article calls to reconsider the urban organization of the single-industry towns globally as there are many similar cases worldwide where people cannot fulfill their rights to have equal opportunities.