During the Soviet era, public spaces such as squares and parks in Russia were designed as monumental public spaces intended primarily for state-organized activities — parades, mass gatherings, and cultural events. Their design featured large-scale empty plazas, spacious green areas, formal landscaping, and facilities supporting centralized social functions.

Since the USSR’s dissolution, those public spaces have undergone radical transformations due to new economic and social conditions. As a result, major places have either been occupied by chaotic small entrepreneurial kiosks or converted into transport infrastructure — parking lots and roundabouts with the sculpture of Lenin in the middle. 

At the same time, parks largely retained their original structures but saw lack of  adaptation to evolving new urban lifestyles. Over time, the types of activities in these parks have shifted from formal, state-led events to amusement parks in the 1990s and early 2000s and further to more diverse, informal uses such as leisure, local festivals, and community gatherings. This shift highlights the emergence of new life scenarios shaped by changing resident needs and demands.

In response, the Institute for Urban Development of Bashkortostan has been actively redeveloping the inherited Soviet-era public spaces to accommodate contemporary urban life. By integrating participatory design methods and interdisciplinary research, the Institute develops flexible, inclusive activities that reflect residents' evolving lifestyles. This redevelopment transforms inherited parks into dynamic spaces supporting recreation, cultural activities, social interaction, and local identity, thus fostering sustainable urban environments tailored to current social realities. This adaptive approach ensures public spaces remain relevant and vibrant for all community members.