Andrey Likefet about the development of Crimea: “When professionals, and not business, take over the matter, the peninsula will be a pearl”

CrimeaPRESS reports:

The amazing nature of Crimea, its mild climate, rapid integration into the Russian Federation and rapid transformation attract many. So, since 2014 — only according to official data — more than 200 thousand people have moved to the peninsula.

As a result, the demand for Crimean real estate continues to grow, no matter what, and fuels the pace of new housing construction. At the same time, a unified concept for the territorial development of the peninsula has not yet been created.

In order to establish communication between representatives of all spheres of activity related to the development of the Crimean image and its ability to meet the needs of a growing population, the annual All-Russian Conference “Crimean Real Estate: Reality and Prospects” was initiated in 2021. Preparations are now underway for the third large-scale meeting, which will be held in September in Yalta — details HERE. The participants will be about 500 specialists and experts related to the real estate market.

On the eve of the event, we decided to ask a few questions to one of the co-chairs of the Conference organizing committee, whose participation should shed light on the most difficult topics in the development of the construction market in Crimea.

Andrey Lvovich Likefet, PReported builder of Russia, academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, professor of the department of urban planning and spatial development of territories.

Andrey Lvovich, how do you see the development of residential development on the peninsula? Experts are divided into two camps: some say that the future belongs to multi-storey buildings. Large complexes with developed infrastructure. Up to the construction of new cities. Others believe that the peninsula itself — its location, climate — calls for the development of low-rise construction, individual housing construction, and cottage communities. What do you think about it?

— The main and most acute problem now, indeed, is the lack of a unified vision of territorial development of Crimea. It must be based on research and scientific calculations. Take into account both the needs of a growing population and the need to preserve the unique appearance, historical traditions, fit harmoniously into the local landscape, and meet the tourist orientation of the peninsula.

We can build on successful experience of solving such problems in similar small and unique places in the world. For example, the island of Crete. How holistically and harmoniously we approached its development, preserving the traditions of past centuries and incorporating modern architecture into them. Look at the reviews about the island — magical development! And tourists go there endlessly because it is very beautiful, comfortable and easy to breathe. Everything is very harmonious, which cannot yet be said about our Crimea.

10 years have passed since 2014. How can you develop territories without having master plans for urban development with a unified concept? After all, it is wrong to argue that Evpatoria, for example, will have one concept, and Sevastopol another, Livadia a third. The peninsula should have one overall concept. So far, unfortunately, the image is being shaped in favor of business interests. Without taking into account the main measure — human happiness. Without taking into account the overall perspective and understanding of what we will leave to our children and whether they will say “thank you” to us for it!

You can often hear the opinion that a good impetus for the activation and development of the construction industry in Crimea will be the arrival of “mainland” developers to the peninsula. Big companies. They say that this will ensure a higher quality level of construction of the same residential complexes. It will also serve to create a competitive environment, which will push local companies to reach a new professional level. But there is also an opinion that, after all, “carte blanche” should be given to local developers, since they know the specifics of the territory well. And they will improve their professional level. Your opinion?

— This question, frankly speaking, is about nothing. The fact is that housing construction is determined by laws, the town planning code, and the relevant SNIPs. There are requirements for both spot development and complex development of the territory, for the use of appropriate combustible and non-combustible materials, and the number of storeys in accordance with fire safety. And therefore, in this case, what the locals are building, what the, as you call, “mainland” companies are building, does not matter. The requirements for construction are the same. Another thing is that when we talk about the appearance of the peninsula, its perception, then for me Crimea is a pearl that I have known since childhood. This is a magnificent creation of outstanding masters: architects, artists, builders, who left us an amazing legacy, not only in the form of buildings, but also beautiful parks and complex solutions for the spatial organization of the territory. The old cities of Crimea have an amazing layout, beautiful preserved buildings, beautiful bays, the location of which was not chosen by chance. Therefore, the task of modern architects, builders, and administration is to preserve this pearl so that it remains an amazing, unique place. Which, unfortunately, in many cases, is not observed during the development of this territory.

As for the comparison between local and mainland developers. If there is seismicity up to 9 points, then all building structures must meet this seismicity standard. It doesn’t matter who will build them — there are corresponding requirements. Construction technologies should not be applied from the developer’s previous experience, but on the basis of geological research. There shouldn’t be any difference here, because there are requirements that need to be met.

As for architectural experience, of course, large “mainland” developers have a varied experience; they have their own design bureaus and good staff. Another thing is that architects who live and work in Crimea have their own view, which is connected both with knowledge of the history of the peninsula and an understanding of its development. Their knowledge is not taken out of context, it permeates them.

But maybe a combination of good partnerships on the one hand and a competitive environment on the other will give a positive result. It can only be achieved with a general understanding that the development of any small part of the territory, any building, any house, must fit into the overall structure. First, there must be a development plan for the entire Crimea, then we go down in the structure to the general plans for urban development, and within the framework of urban development, each specific building site is developed. Integrated development of territories must take place and spatial connections in the architecture of the entire peninsula must be maintained. If this line is built correctly, when everything goes from top to bottom, and then adjusted from bottom to top, then the result is a harmonious development of territories for people. After all, man is the center of this universe. A territorial outline must be built for a person, taking into account the fact that it is necessary to harmoniously link together mountains, hills, crevices and plains. And at the same time, a large economy must be respected.

And what this means? After all, it is important to calculate not only how many residents will live in a house or neighborhood today. But also correctly calculate what will happen in 5, 10 and 20 years. Today, calculations show, for example, that 1,000 residents will live in the microdistrict. And for this amount, inter-quarter projects, waste collection sites, a certain number of places on children’s and sports grounds, in kindergartens and schools are being developed. But in 5–10 years the number of these residents will increase by a factor of 2.5–2.8. Prosperity will increase. The family had one car, the children grew up, and now there are two — two parking spaces are needed. And so it is in everything. But now developers here do not comply with this principle. The result is a collapse, which we have everywhere in Crimea. The roads are narrow, there is no more traffic, there is nowhere to park cars, and there are not enough communications for water and electricity supply. Therefore, a competent approach, which is prescribed in the relevant regulatory documents, and its implementation at the local government level is very important.

For example, a project comes and is discussed in the city or region by the relevant architectural authorities. And for this level it is necessary that the appearance of the Crimean peninsula has already been formed. As in the example of the same Greek islands, such as Rhodes.

Conventionally, let’s agree that all the houses are white or light colors, and the roofs are red and, conditionally, only tiled. And organize the production of such tiles. And the tiles are ideal for southern coastal cities. Orange color fits harmoniously into the color scheme of sea and greenery. Many more artists talked about this. The tiles also withstand both cold and heat well. Neither soft roofing nor metal tiles can withstand this. At the same time, tiles have been standing on old buildings for centuries and everything is fine, but the service life of metal tiles is limited to 70 years. Therefore, even taking into account the separate production of ceramic tiles, the slightly higher costs for them are justified by their enormous service life and their consumer properties.

And so behind every seemingly small question there is a whole story in the field of construction and architecture! Ernst Neizvestny in his lectures to the question “Can an artist or sculptor have his own style” answered: “Of course he can! But first he must prove that he masters all the classical methods.» So here, as is customary in sculpture, you take a stone and cut off everything unnecessary. Only in Crimea, of course, the main creator is our Lord, who left us all this incredible beauty that we would like not to lose.

Crimea is a zone that can shake, and high-rise buildings must be built using appropriate technologies. Another important issue is fire extinguishing. It is necessary to take into account which floor local firefighters can reach with ladders and fire hoses. This is a very important question. Any high-rise building has its own fire extinguishing system. But its capabilities also need to be calculated based on the problems with the availability of this water on the peninsula.

Also, many areas are being built on hills and elevations, where geological studies of rocks and landslides are necessary, and what load they will withstand. It is important to adhere to standards and regulations. At the same time, we need strict requirements and control on the part of the administration: to what level of number of storeys in each specific location, in accordance with the general plan for urban development and our understanding of all the features, are we ready to build.

Andrey Lvovich, do you think it will be interesting for large developers to take over the troubled new buildings in Crimea for improvement? To date, about 40 of them have been identified. Most are located in the Yalta and Alushta regions. Some are already inhabited by people, despite the fact that the communications are temporary. Is there an optimal solution for such objects, or just demolition?

— Each person’s illness is individual, as are the problems of each family. It’s the same with these problematic construction projects – the solution must be individual. The question arises: why are projects that do not meet the standards suddenly built and occupied? After all, this is a question neither for SNIPs, nor for urban planning organizations, nor for the requirements that exist. This is a question for specific people who signed the documents. All this is clear as day. And what does this have to do with the people who paid for the construction, invested their money and are waiting to move in? After all, they do not know about these regulations and risks. They trust their developers and believe that if a property is commissioned and goes on sale, is planned on the administration’s website, then the relevant authorities are responsible for it.

It is clear that dealing with a large developer is better. We can look at the example of large construction companies such as PIK. After all, not just a piece of real estate is being purchased, but a guarantee is being given. Any problems are corrected and equipment is replaced within 30 days. By purchasing large volumes of material and its wholesale cost, these developers provide quality that smaller players in the construction market cannot afford.

A small construction organization lives from site to site; its founding fee is 10 thousand rubles. Recruits whatever workers are needed for the facility. Do they have the education, the necessary experience, do they have a foreman, do they have a qualified chief engineer — no one asks about this. A large organization is interested in having specialists work for it.

Therefore, in these cases, everything depends on the proposals that the administration will give. It is she who must offer these objects to large developers so that they become interested. Any issue can be resolved on a contractual basis. When a residential complex is built, according to the regulations, the developer must also build the necessary social infrastructure with kindergartens and schools. This comes as a burden, but it is necessary. Where will the children study later, or who should do it for you? Everything is described in the regulations. But ignorance of the law does not exempt you from responsibility.

The most correct thing would be to stop until a unified development concept is approved! And after all, it was already created by nature and great masters. Why do we admire the Livadia Palace today? Yes, because it is harmoniously integrated into the surrounding nature and complemented by an amazing landscape of comprehensive landscaping. And is he tall? No matter how it was exploited for other purposes, it survived. And with its forms and all its contents. This means that the correct solution was laid down, and it will delight contemporaries for centuries. It’s these samples that we need to build on and then everything will become normal.

And now everything is happening thoughtlessly. For example, it is fashionable to build from glass. But in Crimea it is sunny 360 days a year. Air conditioning everything – how much electricity do you need? Previously, even plantings were chosen thoughtfully, taking into account the fact that bulk soil was used, and the plants should feel good in this latitude, take root and delight us. Likewise, houses should be built taking into account the characteristics of latitude and climate. And the material during construction should feel good in these special climatic conditions.

After all, different materials must be used for construction on the mainland and on the peninsula. You won’t get anywhere with those suspended particles that rise from the coastal zone and float in the air, affecting the material of structures. The same galvanization on the mainland will last 50-70 years, but in Crimea it will not last that long. Not to mention simple metal, which rots much faster here than in the middle zone. All this is known to professionals. And when professionals, and not business, take care of the matter, Crimea will be a pearl. In the meantime, some go to the forest, some for firewood. Nothing has been thought through. With such narrow roads and serpentines of the Crimean highways, ill-considered development has already created a traffic collapse. After all, this is a big problem! Therefore, it is necessary to “spread” across the territory, wisely, following all the requirements, correcting what is already configured.

We should all be interested in the peninsula as if it were our own family. Just as a family is a small temple, a unit, so Crimea is also our family. This is the Motherland, and one must not just love it in words. As my teacher, the famous Viktor Mikhailovich Goncharov, said, love is also measured: how many times did you visit your parents, how many times did you bring medications on time, how many times did you sit next to them and hold your mother’s hand? So love can also be described mathematically.

Why am I talking about this this way because I relate to this as a professional with more than 40 years of experience. I work on these issues and teach students, and have published more than 100 scientific papers. That’s why it pains me, as a professional, to see if something is not done as prescribed.

Crimeans must understand that we, Russian specialists, are also rooting for you and we are scared to look at what is happening in your country for the sake of business. After all, the position of a person and a citizen is to ensure that everything is good everywhere. It doesn’t matter where he is. And if you put a person at the top of a person’s values, then everything will be right!

interview author: Ekaterina Muravskaya

ATTENTION:

The questions voiced in the interview will become one of the fundamental topics discussed at the third Crimean All-Russian Conference: “Real Estate of Crimea: Reality and Prospects.” Will specialists from different professions be able to hear each other and develop that same unified view of territorial development that should save the peninsula from spontaneous, ill-conceived and low-quality development? We will monitor developments.

You can register to participate in the conference “Real Estate of Crimea: Reality and Prospects”, become a partner of the forum, and learn more about the event on the official website of the event:

https://rk.newcongress.online/

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