Creative Competition to Define the Architectural Identity of the Presidential Academy Campus
The creative competition to define the architectural identity of the university was held as part of the national project “Youth and Children,” aimed at creating a network of modern, world-class university campuses in Russia. The key objective of the transformation is for the central campus territory to reflect a model of modern public administration and convey the Academy’s core values. The competition was organized by the Agency for Strategic Development “CENTER.”
Objective: Selection of the best architectural and planning concept for the territory, buildings, and facilities of the Presidential Academy, in line with the slogan defining the purpose of the area — “Live, study, work, relax, dream in one place” — and based on the identified development potential of the site.
Subject of the Competition: The architectural identity of the territory, buildings, and facilities of the Presidential Academy.
Yulia VedeninaAnalyst
For us, it was extremely important that the modernization of the Presidential Academy campus began with a comprehensive analytical study of the territory. At the initial stage, we were able to identify key development prerequisites, including the value of the architectural ensemble, its central role in the Troparevo-Nikulino district, environmental sustainability, and the potential for structuring space, functions, and services. The competition format allowed us to attract leading architectural teams that created unique concepts aligned with the Academy’s strategic goals, research findings, and the needs of target audiences. The wide range of professional solutions obtained will form a solid foundation for the further development of the campus and the transformation of its environment in line with global trends and best practices in campus design, corresponding to the Presidential Academy’s leadership position at all levels.
On September 9, the jury convened and selected five finalists:
1. IND LLC (individual participant)
2. Wowhaus LLC (individual participant)
3. Consortium “GORA + DAL + KARST,” led by Architectural Bureau “GORA”
- Sole Proprietor S.V. Gorshunov (Nizhny Novgorod)
- DAL LLC (Moscow)
- KARST LLC (Moscow)
4. MLA+ LLC (individual participant)
5. Consortium “Project Group 8 + Bomar,” led by Architectural Bureau “Project Group 8”
- Project Group 8 LLC (Kazan)
- Architectural Bureau BOMAR LLC (Moscow)
The finalists were tasked with developing an architectural and urban planning concept for the campus territory, including a development scenario, functional and planning model, landscape and architectural organization, and the architectural and artistic design of public spaces and building facades.
Key requirements for the competition proposals included the creation of modern interconnected public spaces, an accessible and inclusive environment, implementation of technologies such as renewable energy sources and automated management systems, development of digital building and infrastructure models, and integration of the campus into the surrounding urban fabric.
On December 2, 2025, the jury selected the competition winner.
1st Place
Consortium “GORA + DAL + KARST,” led by Architectural Bureau “GORA”
Consortium members:
- Sole Proprietor S.V. Gorshunov (Nizhny Novgorod)
- DAL LLC (Moscow)
- KARST LLC (Moscow)
Visualization: Consortium “GORA + DAL + KARST” led by GORA Architectural Bureau
The new campus is intended to become a model of modern public administration, embodying its values and best practices. The project’s key transformation proposals include opening the Academy to the city, updating infrastructure, developing a cohesive spatial system, and reinterpreting the campus’s heritage and history.
Integration into the urban environment предусматриes the creation of city-wide public spaces, including coworking areas, cafés, and a sports and fitness complex accessible to residents; development of an urban zone with sports elements and comfortable bicycle and pedestrian routes; and the opening of a free interactive “Applicant Museum Pavilion” introducing visitors to public administration as a profession and the history of civil service in Russia.
The project also proposes transforming dormitory lobbies into “spaces for self-expression” — clubs for music, games, reading, and other activities — constructing functional passage pavilions between buildings 7, 8, and 9, and revising building zoning. For example, buildings 1 and 2 would include more spaces for independent study, informal communication, relaxation, and food services, while building 4 would accommodate additional residential and public spaces.
2nd Place
Consortium “Project Group 8 + Bomar,” led by Architectural Bureau “Project Group 8”
Members:
- Project Group 8 LLC (Kazan)
- Architectural Bureau BOMAR LLC (Moscow)
3rd Place
Wowhaus LLC (Moscow)
4th Place
MLA+ LLC (Moscow)
5th Place
IND LLC (Moscow)
Rector of the Presidential Academy Alexey Komissarov noted that all five finalist projects contained compelling solutions and proposals: “All projects are very interesting, and each offers valuable ideas. Thank you for your approach, distinguished by deep engagement and not just an architectural concept, but a genuine desire to make our campus truly iconic.”
Photo: Press Service of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration
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Status of accomplishment:
Done
