Building not only structures, but quality of life: industry forum held in Yugra
The "Cities of Yugra: Architecture. People. Character" forum was held at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra, bringing together government officials, architects, designers, builders, developers and experts. More than 50,000 people currently work in the construction industry across the area, and their efforts underpin the region's development. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Builder's Day, and the forum became an important platform for discussing the industry's future and recognising the achievements of its professionals.
"You do not simply put facilities into operation — you bring them to life. You bring life to our cities and towns and to our region. Behind every completed project are people, their expertise, responsibility and desire to create. That is why construction is one of the most important professions: it builds the country's future," noted the Governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk.
One of the forum's central topics was the presentation of new regional design standards for social infrastructure, including kindergartens, schools and healthcare facilities. They combine federal requirements, the distinctive features of the northern climate and modern approaches to organising space.
"We do not want to revive the practice of building identical facilities across the country. We want to take account of the distinctive features of our territories and residents' needs. Facades may be completely different, but the ways in which spaces are used, as well as their comfort and quality, should remain consistent. Six projects based on these principles have already been presented, and the first of them — a kindergarten in Bely Yar — ill soon enter the construction phase," said Deputy Governor of Yugra Azat Islayev.
According to the developers, introducing the standards will not only improve the quality of new facilities, but also make construction more efficient. At present, the cost of building similar social infrastructure facilities can vary by 30% even within a single municipality, while a unified approach will help optimise expenditure without compromising comfort.
The economics of construction was another focus of the forum. Experts discussed the industry's prospects through to 2030, the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence on building design and operation, and the experience of development companies already using modern digital tools to create residential districts in Yugra.
A separate session was devoted to public spaces. Architects, representatives of the Association of Parks of Russia and relevant development institutions discussed how a modern urban environment begins not only with a high-quality design, but also with a carefully considered vision for how an area will function, including events, management and opportunities for residents. According to the Governor, the construction industry is no longer viewed solely as part of the economy: "It is about people's quality of life. Our task is therefore to create clear rules, support the industry and work with the professional community to build the region's future."
During the day, forum guests also visited the exposition of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra and the Yugra Physics and Mathematics Lyceum, where they explored the region's modern educational and public spaces.
"We always talk about square metres, facilities and deadlines. But ultimately, all of this is done for people — so that they want to live here, raise their children and link their future with Yugra," Ruslan Kukharuk emphasised as he summed up the day.
The forum concluded with an award ceremony marking Builder's Day. Construction professionals, designers, engineers and executives who have made a significant contribution to the area's development received state, departmental and regional awards. Municipal teams that achieved the best results in implementing construction projects in 2025 were also recognised: the Beloyarsky District, Yugorsk, the Nefteyugansky District and the Surgutsky District.
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