"Built from scratch": designing and developing new cities in Transbaikalia in the 1950s–1980s

The article examines the design features of new towns in Transbaikalia in the second half of the 20th century. Based on archives, the article describes the main stages and features of the developing design and planning process for different types of towns and identifies the causes and consequences of delays in the preparation of master plans and detailed planning projects. In conclusion, the authors claim that urban master plans did not become the design basis for actual construction in new settlements in Transbaikalia during the review period. The gap between urban planning theory and practice had a cumulative effect and negatively influenced on the development of regional settlements during the Soviet period and at the present stage.