DOI: https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2026-6(1)-122-135
City’s cultural code as the management of meaning. Expert interview
Aleksey Raskhodchikov
Moscow Center of Urban Studies “City”, Moscow, Russia
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
ORCID: 0000-0001-6814-9029
Olga Shirokova
Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University, Veliky Novgorod, Russia
ORCID: 0000-0002-1257-6571
ABSTRACT
In the expert interview, we explore issues related to a city's cultural code and urban identity. A city's cultural code is defined as a set of unique historical, architectural, and landscape characteristics of a place, combined with local traditions, communication styles, and values shared by its residents. It is noted that the elements of a cultural code shape local identity and enable the distinction of inhabitants of different cities. The interview emphasizes the role of a city's cultural code in envisioning and designing its future, as well as its influence on urban residents. It examines ways of expressing and communicating the cultural code within the urban environment – including through architecture – for both internal and external audiences. We also discuss the significance of historical figures in shaping a city's cultural code. Using Veliky Novgorod as an example, the interview identifies the key layers of cultural memory most prominently represented in the city's urban environment. The expert notes that the city's authentic historical character is the defining feature of Veliky Novgorod's cultural code. At the same time, however, this strong historical orientation contributes to a sense of stagnation in urban life's dynamics. As a recommendation, the expert suggests expanding the diversity of the city's cultural and leisure offerings to make the urban environment more attractive.
KEYWORDS: city’s cultural code, Veliky Novgorod, Kaliningrad, architecture, historical persons, cultural memory, dynamics of urban life.
Information about the authors
Aleksey N. Raskhodchikov
Cand. Sci. (Sociology),
Сhair of the Board of the Foundation
Moscow Center of Urban Studies “City”
Bld. 28, 26, Leninskaya Sloboda St.,
Moscow, 115280, Russian Federation
Associate Professor
Financial University under the Government
of the Russian Federation
49/2, Leningradsky Ave.,
Moscow, 125167, Russian Federation
ORCID: 0000-0001-6814-9029
e-mail: [email protected]
Olga V. Shirokova
PhD Student
Assistant of the Cultural Studies Department
Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod State University
41, Bolshaya Sankt-Peterburgskaya St.,
Veliky Novgorod, 173003, Russian Federation
ORCID: 0000-0002-1257-6571
e-mail: [email protected]
For citation:
Raskhodchikov, A. N., & Shirokova, O. V. (2026). City’s cultural code as the management of meaning. Expert interview. Urbis et Orbis. Microhistory and Semiotics of the City, 6(1), 122–135. https://doi.org/10.34680/urbis-2026-6(1)-122-135
