MOSCOW URBAN FORUM — is the largest international congress on the development challenges of global megacities. The Forum has been held annually since 2011.
Over centuries, many world capitals have been altered, rebuilt, and redeveloped countless times. Major cities tend to struggle with perennial problems such as a critical lack of space and difficulties with planning of engineering and transport networks. The historical centers of megacities grow in layers, overlapping with one another and creating a unique urban environment that shapes urban identity.
Urban infrastructure in modern megacities is also always in a state of needing continuous repair and recovery. City authorities face immense responsibility: they don't just have to keep buildings from crumbling but also need to improve energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Worn-down housing stock includes both architectural landmarks that require special treatment and areas of mass development. Today, Moscow, along with other world capitals, is carrying out a large-scale program of major housing renovations. The aim of the program is to improve quality of life and to extend the service life of urban buildings.
Can major renovations extend a building's service life? What are the statistics of service life improvement after major renovations?
What are the issues associated with major renovations and upkeep of mass housing development?
What are the funding and administrative differences in the Russian maintenance and renovation scheme as compared to other cities?
What are the legislative initiatives that have helped carry out high-quality major renovation? Should mass-developed areas be preserved, restored, and/or recreated?