Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The exhibition is opened by Andrey Surovenkov and Daria Boytsova. Oleg Romanov speaks. The opening of the exhibition of the best competition entries by the finalists of the 5th International Architectural Open Creative Competition "ArchConcept" took place at the St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. This year's competition is held under the theme "The Modern City. Traditions and Innovations."
The competition is held by SPbGASU jointly with Zhengzhou University (China) and the St. Petersburg Union of Architects and has confirmed its high professional and international status for the fifth year in a row.
The exhibition opening took place in a festive atmosphere. Daria Boytsova, Deputy Dean for Educational Work and Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, served as the event's curator. She welcomed the competition's participants, guests, and organizers, after which she handed the floor over to Oleg Romanov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Honorary President of the St. Petersburg Union of Architects. He noted that the ArchConcept competition enjoys well-deserved prestige at all levels and remains an important professional platform for the architectural community:
"An architectural concept is the foundation of the profession. It is where any project begins, the search for new ideas, meanings, and innovations. It's no coincidence that the term 'concept' itself originates in the avant-garde—a phenomenon we can rightfully be proud of," Oleg Romanov emphasized.
Andrey Surovenkov, Deputy Chairman of the Competition Organizing Committee, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, and PhD in Architecture, noted the importance of participating in competitions for professional growth:
"Participating in competitions and exhibitions is a crucial part of developing as an architect as a professional. Even if you don't win, you see your level of competence, compare yourself to others, learn how to effectively present ideas, and develop skills for working in a competitive environment. Over time, these skills will inevitably lead to success in your professional career."
He emphasized that competitive activity is a consistent system: starting with university competitions, then professional and international ones, students gradually develop their own architectural language and recognizable style.
In the 2025–2026 competition season, approximately 500 participants participated in the ArchConcept competition, including from China and Moldova. The exhibition, presented at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, features the best works, selected by a jury based on a special curatorial principle. It should be noted that a project's absence from the exhibition does not mean it has not been selected as a graduation project—many competition entries were recognized by the jury outside of the exhibition.
The organizing committee also expressed gratitude to the students who actively participated in organizing and assembling the exhibition. Visitors were reminded of the opportunity to vote for their favorite projects—a voting box for the Audience Choice Award was installed in the center of the hall.
The awards ceremony for the winners of the V International Architectural Open Creative Competition "ArchConcept" will take place on February 12, 2026, at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) in the Academic Council Hall.
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