Vera Ignatenkova, Senior Lecturer at the SPbGASU Department of Urban Planning and PhD of Architecture, has completed a research project titled "Urban Development of the Irkutsk Agglomeration within the System of Interregional and Cross-Border Connections in Eastern Siberia." This news item is published based on the results of a 2026 SPbGASU grant project.
The aim of the study is to develop scientifically grounded directions for the urban development of the Irkutsk agglomeration within the system of interregional and transboundary connections of Eastern Siberia.
The scientific novelty and uniqueness of the study lie in the following:
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A periodization of the formation and development of the Irkutsk agglomeration and its key cities (Irkutsk, Angarsk, Shelekhov, Usolye-Sibirskoye) has been established; key conclusions have been formulated for each identified stage: the preliminary stage (mid-17th century – late 19th century), development driven by the Trans-Siberian Railway (late 19th century – first half of the 20th century), the industrial boom (second half of the 20th century – 1990s), and the modern stage (1990s – early 21st century).
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A comprehensive urban planning assessment of the agglomeration areas under study was conducted, making it possible to systematize and document existing problem areas.
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Dependencies have been identified between the development of the studied territories and natural conditions, the configuration of the transport framework, existing functional zoning, as well as socio-economic and tourism-recreation parameters.
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A design and theoretical model for the development of the Irkutsk agglomeration in the structure of interregional and cross-border connections of Eastern Siberia has been created on the basis of existing methodological approaches.
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Proposals have been formulated regarding possible directions for transforming the future development of the territories under study.
The study results may be utilized by specialists in related fields focusing on the urban planning development of settlement systems—specifically agglomerations, such as the Irkutsk agglomeration.
Vera Ignatenkova plans to continue research on the Irkutsk agglomeration with the aim of refining its boundaries, developing a master plan, and adjusting the socio-economic development strategy to account for the agglomeration effect.
"The Irkutsk agglomeration is a highlight of the Irkutsk Region and all of Eastern Siberia. With time and the right development trajectory, the region will take on a vibrant new character," says the study's author.
