Educational Initiative “Context”
The educational initiative is implemented through a partnership between the “M.A.M” architectural workshop and the Agency for strategic development "CENTER".
The program is designed to provide senior students of the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI) with hands-on experience in designing real urban environment projects.
The educational format combines lectures, seminars, site visits, and practical work on real development cases.
Participants:
- Students and faculty of MARCHI
- Architects from the “M.A.M” workshop
- Experts from the Agency for strategic development "CENTER"
- Representatives of the professional community
Irina KotovaArchitect, MARCHI lecturer, and co-founder of the “M.A.M” workshop
The key objective is to ensure that students learn to work with real urban projects rather than abstract standard concepts. This approach allows participants to engage with diverse design methodologies and expand their expertise across related disciplines.
As part of the program, MARCHI students will develop concepts for a transport interchange hub and a residential district in Sergiev Posad, as well as proposals for the modernization of the Presidential Academy campus.
The initiative enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world conditions while giving the professional community an opportunity to assess the potential of a new generation of architects.
The Agency for strategic development "CENTER" provides methodological and expert support, supplies baseline data and analytical materials, oversees the development process, and evaluates the final outcomes.
Sergei GeorgievskiiCo-founder of the Agency for strategic development "CENTER"
Educational initiatives have always held a special place in the Agency’s work. Our collaboration with MARCHI continues this tradition. Working with real cases strengthens the professional capabilities of young architects and contributes to the emergence of realistic, human-centered projects.
In January 2026, students of the Moscow Architectural Institute (MARCHI) developed concepts for a transport interchange hub (TIH) in Sergiev Posad. During the semester, they explored the design of parking structures, transport infrastructure, and public spaces. The Agency for strategic development "CENTER" provided analytical materials and conducted introductory lectures and consultations focused on the territory’s development objectives. The projects were aimed at creating a multifunctional urban environment integrating transport, public, and social functions.
Photo: Agency for strategic development "CENTER"
In April 2026, Sergiev Posad hosted a presentation of academic projects developed by students of MARCHI and the Presidential Academy. Young architects and urbanists presented concepts for residential development and the revitalization of the city’s historic center, including proposals for Krasnogorskaya Square and the future Pavel Florensky Museum of Russian Philosophical Thought. The projects were presented to city authorities, experts in architecture and urban planning, and the Sergiev Posad Development Fund.
Photo credit: Olga Buteeva, LLC “Agency for strategic development "CENTER"”
Visualizations of MARCHI student projects
The initiative became part of the Agency’s long-term educational program aimed at strengthening the practical skills of future professionals through work with real territories and real urban challenges. The strongest student concepts and planning solutions are being considered as a potential foundation for future architectural competitions and territorial development projects in Sergiev Posad.
Partners:
Status of accomplishment:
In progress
