Cities in Russia will change their designs at Putin's behest
In Russia, there are plans to design urban spaces using matryoshka dolls, balalaikas, bears, birch groves, and the domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral.
According to “Verstka,” these images were presented at the “Russian House 2026” exhibition. They are referred to as “national symbols” and are planned to serve as the basis for a new standard in urban design.
This applies, in particular, to the design of schools, public squares, stadiums, and public transportation stops. The authors of the concept state that they aim to “decipher” the Russian cultural code and incorporate it into contemporary design.
A council under the “Russia” National Center, established at the behest of Vladimir Putin, is developing the new standard for urban design. One of the exhibition’s curators is Anna Kharicheva—the daughter of Alexander Kharichev, who has headed the Russian Presidential Administration’s Department for Monitoring Social Processes since 2024.
A separate project was dedicated to the shore. Designer Olga Musienko proposed presenting it in the form of a “capsule,” describing the tree as a metaphor for a person, their roots, life path, and values. According to her, the project is being created for the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.
Putin’s advisor Elena Yampolskaya stated that the development of a new “Russian style” allegedly responds to citizens’ demand for the preservation of traditional values and cultural sovereignty.
She noted that some projects are already underway. Specifically, a playground inspired by Dymkovo toys is being built in Yekaterinburg, and a series of art installations based on the Cyrillic alphabet is being developed.
As a reminder, Russia plans to increase military training for schoolchildren in the occupied territories by 2.5 times.
Putin replaced Russian commanders in Ukraine after plans to seize the Donbas fell through.
As a reminder, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law imposing strict restrictions on citizens abroad who have been convicted in absentia under political articles of the Russian Criminal or Administrative Codes, in particular for “discrediting” the army, calling for sanctions, or participating in “undesirable organizations.”
