Moscow and Ukraine are two very important centres of the Russian avant-garde architectural movement of the 1920s and 30s. Since the 1990s, however, little money has gone into conserving these buildings. With many developers and architects considering it cheaper to replace rather than to preserve, iconic examples of this cultural and architectural heritage have more recently been threatened by numerous development projects. This in turn threatens the distinctive character and cultural specificities of Moscow and Kiev.

The importance and urgency of the need to preserve this heritage has already been recognized by leading national and international organisations. What this project seeks to do is to develop strategic plans and good governance practices to preserve avant-garde heritage. It will build awareness amongst administrations and key stakeholders of the value of such a cause in terms of economic and cultural development.