Identity Design code

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk design code

Overview

Overview
Process

Task: to transform a city and make it cozier.

Architecture (PDF, 45,8 MB)
Improvement (PDF, 108,3 MB)
Information structures on building façades (PDF, 64,3 MB)
Information structures in urban environment (PDF, 18,8 MB)
Examples (PDF, 28,9 MB)

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is the administrative center of Sakhalin Oblast and one of the main cities of the Russian Far East.

The main treasure of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk are the beautiful natural landscapes that surround it. Majestic mountains and vast green spaces can be seen from many streets, creating impressive urban landscapes.

Analysis

We start by assessing the condition of historical buildings as well as buildings that have the greatest importance for the modern Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Then we identify factors that harm the architectural appearance of the city.

Like many other Russian cities, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is drowning in uncontrolled advertising and signage. Obtrusive and incongruous elements cover the façades. Excessively bright finishes also serve as an unnecessary distraction.

Architecture

From all the buildings in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, we identify those that have the potential to become new architectural accents of the city and help form its recognizable image. The existing and potential landmarks are identified on a special map.

Another map shows the zoning of the city which depends on the type of buildings and their functions. These zones look differently and are used by residents in different ways, so there are distinct guidelines for each.

There are a lot of Soviet panel houses in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and the design code does not ignore them. We use specific examples to explain how to make standard buildings more attractive.

To make the city more consonant with its picturesque surroundings, we recommend widely using natural materials in the decoration of buildings.

A handy innovation is the color passports for buildings of special importance. When a façade needs to be repainted or restored, these plaques will help city services choose the right colors.

было станет

Improvement

The design code classifies public and private areas and highlights the main spaces of the street and road network. For each category, rules and recommendations for improvement are presented.

Information structures

An important element of any city’s character are address signs that have to be beautiful and recognizable. The signs of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk look solid, yet elegant and very cozy.

The abundance of advertising creates visual noise that prevents people from finding useful information such as building numbers or wayfinding directions.

With the help of the design code, advertising structures in the city will be cleaned up, making it easier for people to find their way around and showing the architecture in all its glory. Walking around Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk will become much more pleasant!