The history of urbanism lies in the desire to improve living conditions for citizens and create a safer, more sophisticated urban environment. This desire has led to a number of large-scale housing projects around the world: from Baron Haussmann’s renovation of Paris in the 19th century, to the redevelopment of Bombay’s residential area in the first half of the 20th century, the construction of khrushchyovkas in the USSR, the renovation of residential areas in Istanbul, and the recent Seestadt Aspern project in Vienna. In each case, the sheer scale of the project had a significant impact both on the city and the country as a whole. In terms of carrying out its own large-scale renovation, Moscow must consider a variety of possible consequences.

• Besides the improvement of living conditions, what other objectives should large urban development projects aim to achieve?
• What parameters need to be monitored?
• How can a large urban project propel the development of the urban environment and minimise risks?