Ревитализация в малых городах Европейской России (на примере Боровичей, Выксы, Ростова)

Известия РАН. Серия географическая. 2019. № 5. С. 18–31.

Gunko M., Пивовар Г. А., Аверкиева К. В.

The current study is aimed at the analysis of local development with a focus on the renewal processes in
small cities of European Russia. Renewal refers to the introduction of positive changes trough re-opening
and re-imagining existing urban areas. Due to the lack of adequate statistical data, we access renewal
using a qualitative approach, through the analysis of the material form – the cityscape, which is not only
an indicator of the socio-economic situation in the city but also helps to understand the distribution of
power relations within it. Empirical data were obtained in three small single-industry towns located remote
from major centres – Borovichi (Novgorod oblast), Vyksa (Nizhny Novgorod oblast), Rostov (Yaroslavl
oblast). The results of the study suggest that the zone of transformation, successful emergence of the
new and change of the old in small cities, is each time unique. Transformation occurs since cities are in
search of their own way out of the structural crisis, struggling not only to provide the economic minimum
but also to change the cityscape and everyday life. The main actors of this process are private – from
large to small business, as well as the local communities. While the role of the local administration due
to the lack of resources is, most often, restricted to creating a functioning communication platform to
address the interests of the main actors.

Keywords: монопрофильные города, малые города, small cities, городская среда, case study research, качественные исследования, single-industry towns, urban revival, urbna renewal, городская ревитализация, городское обновление