Landscaping and improvement of the comfortable environment is one of the most relevant topics for the sustainable development of small towns in Russia. At the university competition of diploma projects at the Faculty of Architecture of SPSUACE one of the best final qualifications works was the project of comprehensive improvement of pedestrian space in three cities of the Leningrad Region - Gatchina, Slantsy, Volosovo. The author of the project is the student of the Department of Architectural Space Design of SPSUACE Juliette Bobrova. The supervisors of the project are Associate Professors at the same department A.V. Demin and S.B. Danilov.

During the preparation of the qualification work the project managed to participate in an open competition of sketch projects for the improvement of pedestrian spaces in the settlements of the Leningrad Region organized by the Government of the Leningrad Region (the Committee for Architecture and Urban Planning of the Government of the Leningrad Region and got two prizes: 1^st place in Gatchina, 3^rd place in Slantsy.

The principles of complex approach improvement are the following

• Development of a space design code (project coding and branding)
• Separation of transport and pedestrian directions, making additional parking lots, bicycle routes and bike parks using planning techniques for the reorganization of space and vertical zoning, the combination of different types of paving and coatings, the use of modern techniques and elements of landscape architecture
• Separation of transit and recreational activities, creation of a barrier-free and safe environment for pedestrians and low mobility groups
• Reconstruction of entrance zones and facades
• Formation of a set of small architectural forms
• Dendrological composition and a complex measures for preserving and improving the quality of planting of greenery, use of different-level rocks and compensatory plantings, combination of perennial, coniferous and ornamental species, integration of structures for vertical gardening, application of inert and mulching natural materials, special elements of protection of the root system and fences
• Scenario of illumination and decorative illumination of objects of improvement
• Proposals for the organization of non-capital tourism and transport facilities, catering, public WCs, information points and rental outlets
• Integration of thematic art objects, elements of information design

The design solution involves the development of elements applicable not only to a given territory, but to the entire city as a whole. For each city, a single stylistic solution, a corporate color and a set of small architectural forms are developed taking into account the identity, the scale of the territory and the scenario for the development of pedestrian spaces. The appearance of modern pedestrian zones can significantly improve the quality of life of people and to inspire new projects.

Making projects by creative groups under the supervision of experienced practitioners at the Department of Architectural Space Design and active involvement of students in participating in current competitive programs, including the Government of the Leningrad Region, is a priority. The competitive program opens new possibilities ", - one of the leaders of the project-winner S.B. Danilov believes.