Ecosystems of Urban Planning in a Post-Socialist Context. Part 1. Former Soviet Republics: Between "Architecture" and "Planning"

Abstract

The article is devoted to the processes of formation of professional culture and system of values in the field of urban planning in post-socialist countries. The study focuses on the motives and tools through which the national institutions of professional urban planning are developed. The attitude to the socialist past predetermines the degree of influence of common European models on the development of the whole branch: neutral evaluations (Slovakia, Serbia) contribute to the progressive linear development of educational systems and activities. Critical attitude to the socialist stage (Estonia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia) determines the increased attention to compensatory actions: strengthening of co­participation practice, development of social component in research, gradual transition from an architectural model of professional education to extra-architectural ones. A positive attitude to the socialist paradigm (Moldova, Belarus, Armenia) is the reason for architectural model strengthening in the professional education of urban planners, supports the established system of professional values based on the creative approach to urban planning. With the help of the comparative analysis of educational programs, professional standards, legislative initiatives, job classifiers the four "models of specialist" characteristics for different national institutions of professional urban planning are singled out ("architect-planner", "urban planner", "urban planner with a specialization" or "professional with urban planning specialization"), the scenarios of the urban planning branch development corresponding to these models are described. The author has revealed several tendencies, testifying that the professional and branch interpretation of urban development is replaced by the ecosystem approach, the cultural component of modern urban development acquires a special meaning, the challenges faced by the national institutions areless andless related to their growth and compliance with the conventional "world standards" and more and more to their transformation and flexibility.