The role of large-panel system construction in the urban development of Samarkand, Uzbekistan

This paper presents the findings of urban development studies conducted in Samarkand (Republic of Uzbekistan), using the Sattepo residential area as a case study. The contribution of Samarkand’s precast concrete factories, which constructed the microdistrict with 5- and 9-story lightweight expanded clay concrete panel residential buildings from enlarged wall panels of popular standardized series 1-464, 148, and 1-474, was examined. The artistic mosaic decoration of these buildings imparts a unique national character to these standardized Soviet-era housing developments and has a historical cultural value, continuing to impress residents and visitors to Uzbekistan. Such research is needed to find a balance between the preservation of authentic cultural values and the possibility of architectural modifications in Samarkand for its continued development.

microdistrict planning, precast concrete factory, Uzbekistan, Samarkand, expanded clay concrete panel buildings, construction peak, Samarkand’s urban landscape, mass housing construction, climatic conditions, external facade ornamentation