“A city without streets”: features of the architectural and urban environment of Krasnokamensk (1960-1980s)

The article examines the architectural and urban development characteristics of Krasnokamensk in the 1960s-1980s. According to the author, the city's “secret” status allowed for a more coordinated approach to urban planning, with its own project base (a single client, general contractor, chief designer, and master planning service). Based on archival data, urban planning documentation prior to the approval of the general plan is analyzed. These include the “Sample” and “Temporary” building regulations, which initially guided the city's designers, architects, and builders. The article describes the placement of functional zones, the city's spatial structure, standard residential building series, and more. It identifies specific features of the design and construction of residential microdistricts, the city center, and landscaping, all of which were based on the concept of a socialist city (the microdistrict housing model, city-ensemble). These architectural and urban planning characteristics are compared with other settlements developed under the USSR Ministry of Medium Machine Building.