Thesis Defence: Peter Markin

Monday, May 13, 2019 2:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

Thesis Defence: Peter Markin

Of the thesis entitled: Mass Housing for New Moscow

Abstract: 

This thesis explores the highrise housing development industry within Moscow's recently expanded borders, where a large volume of what is commonly understood to be an outdated Soviet-era product continues to be built.  The work investigates the reasons why this mass housing typology continues to represent well over half of new housing construction in the country, and seeks to offer viable recommendations for improving the status quo in this particular context and marketplace.  It is found that a high prevalence of prefabrication and strict solar penetration requirements greatly hinder, however do not entirely preclude the diversification of the housing stock.  Despite strong evidence that the population prefers more western models of low-rise housing, long-standing traditions continue to normalize the highrise typology.  With high demand for housing and limitations of the housing market, most homebuyers have no choice but to settle for this form of housing. Furthermore, the oligopolistic tendencies of the development industry result in a market with limited competition and low price elasticity of supply.  In other words, demand for better housing, as well as ample capital from rising incomes and housing subsidies, result in limited improvement in the new housing stock.  Without incentives and only obstacles to change, the development industry continues to build a substandard product.  It is concluded that a profit motive is a prerequisite for any improvement and diversification of the new housing stock.  Therefore, this thesis seeks to propose an alternate mass housing typology that better reflects housing aspirations of the population, while being viable due to improved profitability and marketability.

Throughout the thesis, I reflect on what home means to me and where home is today.

The examining committee is as follows:

Supervisor:

Elizabeth English, University of Waterloo

Committee Member:

Rick Haldenby, University of Waterloo
Val Rynnimeri, University of Waterloo

External Reader:

Leo Rothenburg, University of Waterloo


The committee has been approved as authorized by the Graduate Studies Committee.

The Defence Examination will take place:

Monday May 13, 2019
2:30 PM
ARC 2026


A copy of the thesis is available for perusal in ARC 2106A.