Architectural and Planning Development of Multifunctional Office and Residential Complexes in the Historical Quarters of Samara

The article explores architectural and planning approaches to the placement of multifunctional office-residential complexes (MORCs) within the historical quarters of the city of Samara. The focus is on developing a balanced strategy that combines the preservation of historical urban identity with functional modernization and comprehensive regeneration. The study examines the distinctive morphotype of Samara’s 18th-century blocks, which have undergone transformations during the Soviet and post-Soviet periods, leading to the loss of spatial and visual coherence. The article analyzes current constraints linked to the city center’s status as a historic settlement and the lack of a clear regulatory framework governing new construction and interaction with cultural heritage sites. Project examples are discussed, including conflict-free reconstruction strategies and principles of vernacular architecture shaped by local residents. The author argues for reinterpreting courtyards as meta-spaces of social activity and valuable resources for sustainable development. Emphasis is placed on creating design scenarios focused on integrating business functions into residential fabric. The article draws upon domestic and international experience and proposes planning principles aimed at harmonizing the interaction between new architecture and historical development.