Moscow’s government has come up with a decision to bring big changes to the city's landscape. More and more high-rise buildings are being planned as part of an investment programme. And although skyscrapers offer sought-after views some people feel they r

Moscow’s skyline is dominated by the famous 'Seven Sisters', tiered skyscrapers built by Joseph Stalin to symbolise his rule.

But times are changing rapidly and so too is the architecture. Plans are underway to build around 200 new high-rise buildings by 2015, to create a new, modern, ring around the city.

“In order to provide Muscovites with living space which meets modern standards and social requirements, we have to accommodate them in skyscrapers. These allow tenants to use social and medical facilities and shopping centers in a multi-functional complex,” Valery Zhilov, General Director of ‘New ring of Moscow’, explained.

But before such work can start, impact studies are being done to ensure new buildings will fit well with the old.

Dubbed the Russian Manhattan, this city within a city is primarily a business centre but will also be home to a five-star hotel, entertainment complex and luxury apartments.

And a high speed transport links make it easy to get to anywhere in the capital. But the real high point is the Federation Tower. When complete, it will be one of the biggest in Europe.

But its twin tower, being built opposite, is just over 100 metres higher, with 93 floors and a spire on top reaching 448 metres into the sky.

But with a price tag of $US 25,000 per square metre, picture perfect doesn’t come cheap. Muscovites don’t seem to mind though, in fact, all the apartments have already been snapped up.

“These buildings have a different kind of energy. Their main function is representation and business. There is probably 5, 10 or 20 % of people who do not like skyscrapers and another 50% who do. What we are doing for them is something no one has ever offered before,” Sergey Polonsky, Mirax group Chairman, said.

Maria Pushkina has lived in high-rise flats all her life and moved into this apartment in a complex in northwest Moscow early this year. To her skyscrapers have many advantages.

“I like the range of different views and landscapes of the city and I’m used to it from my childhood seeing the sky, the grass, the sunshine,” Maria said.

But some people beg to differ and believe the new style of architecture springing up in Moscow is having detrimental effects.

“I have a feeling that the Moscow project will interfere with historical architecture, It will lead to the degradation of feeling of the unique Russian city,” architect, Natalia Dushkina, said. 

Whether you’re a lover or loather of Moscow’s changing face, intense development looks certain. And with a growing demand for high-rise buildings it seems the sky really is the limit.