On the last day of the exhibition “Petersburg 2103”, there will be a summative discussion of its outcomes, both as an exhibition and as a reflection on Petersburg urbanism. Were we able to see the future? Did our idea of Petersburg’s future developments change? Was the exhibition an effective platform for communication? Can an presented vision of urban development mark the beginning of a real series of transformations?

Participating in the discussion is famous architect Winy Maas, the author of one the exhibition’s central projects––a master class with students from five Russian cities.

“In attracting thousands of new residents, each of which need housing, today St. Petersburg is faced with intriguing problems,” says Winy Maas, cofounder of MVRDV and director of The Why Factory. “Additionally, the middle class is growing and needs a better public transport system and public spaces, all the while Petersburg continues to become more and more popular as a tourist destination. We asked students to imagine how the city should look faced with an expected growth of 50,000 new residents each year. Their visions of the city’s future should make St. Petersburg a more friendly and welcoming city”.

Among the participants in the discussion are Manege’s director, Pavel Prigara; chairman of the Committee for the State Preservation of Historical and Cultural Monuments, Sergei Makarov; co-owner of the Teorema corporation, Igor Vodopyanov; and the exhibition curator, Maria Elkina.

Entry to the event is free, but registration is required.