Abstract
As a result of the growth of cities and their significant densification, society's demand for housing is rising. Architectural design solutions aiming at the development of compact apartments take the lead in buyers' interest in housing. This trend is characteristic of large cities in Russia and Kazakhstan. The purpose of the study is to develop architectural design solutions and interior organization for compact apartments with a comfortable living environment in Russia and Kazakhstan. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted a comprehensive literature review and analyzed real estate market data. An expert survey was then employed to assess the practicality of each layout based on predefined comfort and functionality criteria. As a result, the study identifies the primary directions in apartment planning organization: hotel-type apartments, studio apartments, and apartments with two rooms. The principal expedient planning schemes of compact apartments are developed. Proceeding from an expert survey, the factors with the greatest influence on forming a comfortable internal environment in compact apartments are established. Furthermore, the study highlights the most preferred of the proposed versions of space planning for compact apartments from the standpoint of the comfort of the living environment. This study contributes to urban planning and architecture by providing evidence-based recommendations that promote sustainable development and improve quality of urban living.