Views, dams, and urban villas: Developers and the transformation of the river floodplain landscape in the city of Tyumen

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a research project by urban studies master’s students at Tyumen State University, which examined the transformation of Zareka, a residential area in the Tura River floodplain that has recently undergone changes in its appearance, urban status, and functions. The paper highlights the lack of research into its development in the social sciences. Using participant observation, interviews with developers, and mapping, this study investigates the spatial rhetoric and professional practices accompanying the area’s transformation. The first section outlines the area’ historical morphology and describes the “staging” rhetoric used by the actors of its transformation, which draws on historical representations. These recurring historical narratives demonstrate an engagement with the past aimed at showing how development companies have improved a territory long considered an inner-city periphery. The second section focuses on the “marketing landscape” jointly created by two development firms. According to our informants, these new public spaces enhance the value of the residential properties. With an influx of visitors, the once “marginal” territory acquires a new character. The creators of this landscape employ a rhetoric of “centrality” for the residential complexes built around these promenades.The third section discusses urban panoramas as one of Zareka’s key resources. When addressing the potential negative impact on the city’s skyline, our informants emphasized that their activities are limited to a district scale and noted that strategic planning for the urban panorama requires municipal initiative.