How developers today implement the “City within a City” concept by introducing residential ecosystems into their projects, Andrey Maksimov, director of the Moscow branch of Atlas Development Group of Companies, told.
In rapidly growing metropolitan cities, the City within a City concept has become an integral part of most residential projects. This approach offers all the amenities of modern living in one place, but the changing needs of residents are forcing developers to rethink and improve the concept, adding new spaces for work and leisure. Today, an important aspect is the creation of a harmonious connection of residential, commercial, and sometimes cultural facilities.
Innovative technologies play a key role in this process, and the “City within a City” metaphor takes on new shades, including not only physical boundaries, but also digital interaction with residents, creating platforms for social and sustainability initiatives. Thus, entire ecosystems are emerging that are capable of responding to the challenges of the time and customer requests.
From primary needs to comprehensive comfort
In the past, the choice of a new place of residence was limited by such parameters as cost, location and planning decisions. Today, the demands of buyers are becoming much broader: they are purchasing not just square meters, but a comfortable living environment, and developers are no longer offering their clients the project itself, but a whole way of life. In current realities, such aspects as functionality and “smart” layouts, the presence of public spaces and rich infrastructure, thoughtful landscaping of the local area with landscape design, and high-quality environmentally friendly materials come to the fore.
In this context, a resident-centered approach becomes important. Homes are transformed into ecosystems, where every element—from walking spaces to comfortable work areas—plays a role in creating a harmonious and connected space. Flexibility and adaptability are becoming key aspects that allow developers to create a sought-after product.
Transformation of the development product
The residential real estate market has entered the product stage. Those houses that were built ten years ago are fundamentally different from modern projects. This transformation is directly related to the new way of life of customers. One of the important components is the functionality of planning solutions: residents want to have workplaces, laundries, kitchen-living rooms, master bedrooms, etc. Large hallways and inefficient square footage are becoming a thing of the past. Today, buyers do not want to overpay for “extra” square meters, preferring more ergonomic, well-thought-out layouts. This trend was also influenced by the need to increase the profitability of projects. According to Atlas Development Group of Companies, over the past five years the average area of apartments has decreased by 3-5 square meters. meters.
There is also a trend towards creating a complex product. Developers are now designing shops, restaurants, beauty salons and other commercial and consumer services within the complex. Also in the complex itself, various public spaces are implemented: gyms, children’s playrooms, public living rooms, cinemas, libraries, co-working spaces, etc., and landscaped courtyards appear on its territory, in some projects courtyards-parks with ponds, sports areas, modern children’s playgrounds, places for work and recreation. That is, today a trend has been formed towards “slipper” accessibility – all key elements should be located in the residential complex itself.
In addition, there is a growing demand for public areas within the district – parks, embankments, educational clusters. Buyers consider their home not a specific apartment, but a whole complex and even a block. Accordingly, the approach to choosing a location has changed. Developers have gone beyond the Central Administrative District and are building new projects in other districts. Now attention is focused both on the infrastructure component of the area, as well as on green areas and reservoirs. After the pandemic, buyers refocused on the accessible environment near the residential complex, including places for walking and recreation. This factor is equal to the cost of the lot. For example, according to the Atlas Development Group of Companies, today more than 80% of Muscovites consider North-Western Administrative Okrug one of the best districts for living, including due to the environment. In 2025, a new business class project will appear on Lodochnaya Street in South Tushino. The area is distinguished by its established social and commercial infrastructure and the presence of green areas.
This approach to the development of residential projects not only increases their competitiveness, but also creates new standards of quality of life. Complex projects that take into account all aspects of life make areas more attractive for living, which, in turn, spurs interest from investors and developers who are ready to offer unique solutions for modern buyers.
Emergence and development of residential ecosystems
The “City within a City” concept appeared on the real estate market about 10 years ago, and today it is being improved, turning projects into entire residential ecosystems. “Residential Ecosystem” of Atlas Development Group of Companies is based on the request of a modern metropolis resident: conceptual architecture; the principle of creating an “all-in-one” infrastructure with quick access to all necessary goods and services; anti-stress courtyard, creating a comfortable atmosphere for communication and relaxation; security in the house and surrounding areas with the formation of invisible barriers; service according to company standards and social microclimate.
In addition to an integrated approach to the organization of living space and a wide range of urban infrastructure, residents have access to the amenities of hotel services, which they can receive without leaving their home. Thus, the central entrance lobby becomes a multifunctional space where you can meet guests, work, drink coffee or relax in the play area with children. Extended service services and 24-hour reception allow you to receive and store deliveries in a specially designated parcel area.
The residential ecosystem provides a variety of infrastructure right in the house: supermarkets, pharmacies, kindergartens, family clinics and restaurants. The “slipper accessibility” concept allows you to easily and quickly reach most establishments through a warm pedestrian gallery. The main advantage is the ability to control comfort through the Atlas.Service mobile application. With its help, you can order food delivery, call for cleaning, pay for utilities, and also control access to the complex and video surveillance.
For a developer, a “residential ecosystem” is not just a piece of real estate, but a long-term project in which the company interacts with buyers throughout the entire life cycle of the complex. This approach allows us to better understand the needs of clients and offer them new services that are relevant and in demand at the moment.
Today, customers increasingly prefer multifunctional ecosystems into which several aspects of their lives are integrated. This is not only convenient and profitable, but also allows you to save your most valuable resource – time. And for developers, ecosystems are turning into an opportunity to strengthen their position in the market and become a reliable partner for their clients.
Thus, the concept of a residential ecosystem is not just an innovative project, but a new look at life in an urban space. It responds to the challenges of the time, offering comfort, safety and complexity, which is becoming an integral part of the life of a modern person.
**How does the shift towards prioritizing functionality, smart layouts, and public spaces reflect the changing needs and desires of modern urban dwellers?**
## From Concrete Jungles to Vibrant Ecosystems: The Evolution of the “City within a City” Concept
The modern urban landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by the changing needs and desires of its residents. Gone are the days when choosing a place to live was simply about cost, location, and square footage. Today, buyers are looking for more than just four walls and a roof; they crave a comprehensive lifestyle experience. This shift in priorities has led to a reimagining of the “City within a City” concept, transforming it from a mere collection of amenities into a fully integrated residential ecosystem.
**The Rise of the Residential Ecosystem**
As Andrey Maksimov, Director of the Moscow branch of Atlas Development Group of Companies, points out, the “City within a City” concept, once centered around providing essential amenities within a residential complex, has become more sophisticated and responsive to the multifaceted demands of modern urban dwellers.
The transformation is driven by several key factors:
* **Shifting Consumer Priorities:** Modern buyers are prioritizing functionality, smart layouts, and public spaces over simplistic size. They want homes that seamlessly integrate work, leisure, and social interaction.
* **Technology-Driven Connectivity:** Innovative technologies are blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms. Developers are leveraging these tools to create platforms for social interaction, sustainability initiatives, and enhanced resident engagement, further enriching the residential experience.
* **Demand for “Slipper” Accessibility:** The convenience of having every necessity within arm’s reach is highly valued. Developers are responding by incorporating shops, restaurants, co-working spaces, gyms, and recreational areas directly into residential complexes.
* **Emphasis on Green Spaces and Well-being:** Post-pandemic, the importance of accessible green spaces, parks, and bodies of water has become paramount. Buyers are actively seeking out areas that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.
**The Atlas Development Group Approach: Creating Holistic Living Experiences**
Atlas Development Group exemplifies this new wave of residential ecosystem development. Their projects prioritize resident-centric design, incorporating elements like:
* **Functional and Adaptable Layouts:** Spaces designed for multiple purposes, reflecting the diverse needs of modern lifestyles.
* **Rich Public Spaces:**
Courtyards transformed into vibrant community hubs with playgrounds, fitness areas, and spaces for work and relaxation.
* **Integrated Services:** Hotel-style amenities such as concierge services and on-demand maintenance, enhancing the convenience and comfort of residents.
* **Sustainable Practices:**
A commitment to environmentally friendly building materials and practices, creating a healthier and more sustainable living environment.
**The Future of Urban Living**
The evolution of the “City within a City” concept signals a significant shift in the way we conceptualize urban living. Residential ecosystems are no longer just about bricks and mortar; they represent a philosophy of creating truly integrated and enriching communities. By blending smart design, technological innovation, and a deep understanding of resident needs, developers are creating living spaces that are not just homes, but vibrant ecosystems that foster a sense of community and well-being. As cities continue to grow and evolve, the “City within a City” concept will undoubtedly continue to adapt and redefine the future of urban life.
