MINSK, 20 December (BelTA) – It is necessary to put more efforts into coherent architectural planning of the Belarusian capital, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at a meeting with the Minsk authorities on 20 December, BelTA has learned.
“Till now we paid little attention to the development of a holistic architectural design of our capital city. As a result, we got many showy and ill-sorted architectural solutions. You should rectify the situation,” Alexander Lukashenko said addressing the new mayor.
The president noted that he often has to examine development plans of individual city districts. “We need to set up a group of smart, forward-thinking architects who will spell out development solutions at least along the city's major thoroughfares,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko mentioned an area near the Belarus Hotel in Minsk downtown. According to the president, this area has not been developed adequately. “We need to keep the ramp leading from the hotel to the river for leisure activities. But look how empty this place is. We need some beautiful facility that would organically match the existing scene without overburdening it. Of course, this should not be a residential building. I really have to restrain some officials and businessmen from using places like that to build residential buildings there and get their dividends,” the Belarusian leader said.
“However, this is wrong when the president has to keep an area with his both hands. We need to come up with a development concept for the places that have come to mean a lot for us. They should not be botched. They should not be left as they are, either. They should not be overburdened. We need to think how to develop them in a proper way, so that it will benefit the public, and those who will manage these facilities and the municipal budget,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko urged to develop a Minsk upkeep concept. This will do good to the capital, help it maintain and strengthen the continuity of traditions,” the president said.
We need a more creative and modern approach to gardening and landscaping, small architectural forms. This all beautifies the city and may eventually become its thing, Alexander Lukashenko believes. “The districts that our fathers and grandfathers built are covered in greenery. In contrast, new neighborhoods are very bleak,” the head of state underlined.
“Our green areas and parks need to be upgraded or even restored. Around the world such places are natural oases inside stone metropolises. They become the pride of a city and even a country. Take a careful look at the Gorky Park. Do you think it lives up to the status of the city central park?” Alexander Lukashenko asked.
He instructed the Minsk Mayor's Office to landscape the designated areas during the next two years and give people an opportunity to take part in this work and plant a tree. “Everyone should take care of Minsk, even if it is not your residential district. This is your native land. We should take care of this part of our country too,” the Belarusian leader believes.
“We will not create an international image of Minsk as a European capital through beautiful facades and greenery alone. The issue is bigger. We have thousands of visitors who admire cleanness and hospitality. But does Minsk stay in their memory as a city with its own unique style? The issue of Minsk image is as important as ever, in the broadest sense of the word,” the president noted.
According to the head of state, every detail matters, including building decorative elements, bus stops, road signs, street lamps, lights, advertising boards and even uniforms of urban services workers.
“We are talking about a brand, a concept, a logo of the city. This will help Minsk develop a unique image that will be recognizable all over the world. We need to make Minsk fashionable and popular. Other countries are looking for every opportunity to attract tourists. You need to gather smart and creative people, and develop an innovative strategy to shape the face and style of the city,” said Alexander Lukashenko.
According to the president, the Belarusian capital hosts more than 1,000 cultural and sports events every year. 2019, however, is going to be a special year. Belarus will play host to the 2nd European Games in the summer. The head of state added that several thousand athletes and coaches, hundreds of thousands of fans will come to the country to be part of the Games.
“Every meter of the city should work for the guests and participants of this sport event. The Minsk City Hall must mobilize all the efforts and ensure the event is organized at the highest level,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
