From sketch to construction site: students of a leading architectural university engaged in project-based work with real-world sites
Students of the Moscow Architectural Institute were given the opportunity to develop their own projects for buildings, structures, and concepts based on real-life cases that are being implemented in Moscow and the surrounding region. This became possible within the framework of an educational project that brought together university lecturers from the “M.A.M” workshop and the Agency for strategic development "CENTER". As a result, students gained the chance to put their most successful ideas and solutions into practice.
Third-year students will hone their skills using projects such as the design of a transport interchange hub in Sergiyev Posad with a capacity of 25,000 passengers per day; the integrated development of a residential district in the same city; and the development of a concept for the reorganisation of the Presidential Academy campus. In the first case, students are tasked with designing transport infrastructure integrated with public space; in the second, residential buildings with a comfortable living environment; and in the third, proposing solutions for modernisation, improvements to the planning structure, landscaping, and the design code.
The cases were provided by "CENTER", an urban development company that has implemented around 150 projects across Russia. In particular, the Agency updated the Spatial Development Strategy of Sergiyev Posad through 2030 and the city’s volumetric and spatial regulations. For the Presidential Academy, the company recently organised a strategic roundtable with the participation of the university’s leadership, representatives of the Ministry of Construction, and renowned architects, focused on the development of the central campus.
As part of the cooperation with the Moscow Architectural Institute and “M.A.M”, the Agency conducts lectures, seminars, and consultations; provides informational and analytical materials; and will take part in the evaluation of student projects. In addition, site visits for students are planned.
Irina KotovaArchitect, lecturer at the Moscow Architectural Institute, and co-founder of the “M.A.M” workshop
It is important for us that students are able to design specific objects rather than simply develop abstract, standardised projects. In this way, they become more deeply acquainted with different design methods and broaden their knowledge of related professional fields. They gain a better understanding of the significance of an architect’s work, which will help them enter the profession as fully prepared as possible to address the tasks set by clients.
Sergei GeorgievskiiCo-founder, Agency for strategic development "CENTER"
Educational activities have always occupied a special place in the Agency’s work. It is enough to recall such a project as Russia’s first Youth Architecture Biennale, which brought together an entire generation of young architects and, for six years, served as an important mechanism for identifying and promoting its most creative and successful representatives. Cooperation with the Moscow Architectural Institute continues this tradition. Training based on real cases raises the professional level of young architects and is a prerequisite for the emergence of projects that are not only bold, but also realistic, feasible, and oriented toward human needs.
For young architects, this is an excellent opportunity not only to apply theoretical knowledge in practice, but also to contribute to the development of the urban environment. Such interaction between academia and the professional community sets a new standard for training specialists capable of creating comfortable, functional, and contemporary spaces, the urbanist is confident.