Master's Thesis AR · Summer Semester 2022 · Alexandra Bayborodova

The former Morozovsky workers' settlement was established between the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as part of one of Russia's most significant textile manufacturing complexes. Following the decline of the textile industry, the site lost its original function. The historic factory buildings and workers' housing gradually fell into disrepair, turning the area into one of the city's socially and physically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Against this background, the thesis develops a transformation strategy that understands the historic building stock as an identity-forming resource. Rather than replacing the site's industrial heritage, the project uses it as the foundation for a mixed-use urban quarter that combines housing, employment, culture, education, and public amenities. In doing so, it creates new opportunities for a diverse range of users and establishes a vibrant neighbourhood with a rich mix of uses.

A particular focus is placed on the design of the public realm. Squares, streets, and open spaces are linked into a continuous network that connects the historic buildings and creates new places for meeting and everyday life. At the same time, the existing waterways and green spaces are reintegrated as defining landscape elements and connected to the surrounding city through a new network of pedestrian routes.

The thesis understands the transformation of Morozovsky as the integration of heritage conservation, social diversity, and ecological regeneration. The result is a sustainable urban quarter that preserves the industrial character of the site while creating new perspectives for its future development.