Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia
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At a meeting of the new RUDN University Dissertation Council for the specialties 2.1.12 "Architecture of Buildings and Structures. Creative Concepts of Architectural Activity" and 2.1.11 "Theory and History of Architecture, Restoration and Reconstruction of Historical and Architectural Heritage," three postgraduate students were awarded PhD degrees in architecture for the first time in the university's history: Natalia Kalinina, Evgeny Ogienko, and Yulia Loginova.
Their work, carried out under the guidance of experienced scientific mentors, was highly praised for its novelty, theoretical and practical value.
"These aren't just three successful defenses. This is the official launch of our own dissertation council, which confirms the high level of scientific research at the department and provides a powerful impetus for the development of young scientists. We are creating a robust environment for the growth of academics in the field of architecture," said Linar Sabitov, council chair and professor.
A micropolis for human comfort
According to Natalia Kalinina, her dissertation explores the principles of developing multifunctional complexes with adjustable autonomy. Behind the complex terminology lies a simple goal: to restore human scale to the big city, to create a safe environment where human experience and comfort are the focus.
As part of her work, Natalia developed the concept of an autonomous multifunctional complex—a micropolis—as a fundamentally new development morphotype. The idea received a powerful boost after she attended a research trip to Osaka with RUDN University in 2019. While presenting a paper on new morphotypes in high-density environments, she witnessed the Japanese experience firsthand.
"Japanese architecture struck me with how, even in extremely dense conditions, it manages to separate flows and maintain a human dimension. This complemented my idea: the new morphotype should not resemble a typical microdistrict. Thus, the concept was completed," says Natalia Kalinina.
Natalia analyzed the evolution of architectural complexes and identified key principles of planning solutions aimed at achieving multi-layered and compact structures. The developed approach, she explains, allows for the most efficient use of the territory's potential, and the micropolis becomes an integrated design method capable of transforming existing developments and delivering significant economic benefits.
The applicant admits that the most challenging aspect was applying the concept to the realities of Russian urban development: taking into account regulations, analyzing climate conditions, and finding free time while having two children. She also noted her experience working at the Unified Institute of Spatial Planning of the Russian Federation, where she was able to implement some of the concept's provisions locally.
"I was lucky that my defense took place in my own home, surrounded by people who cared about the outcome. I feel like I fulfilled the promise I once made to the rector during an open dialogue," says Natalia Kalinina.
Residential complex for young people
Another PhD candidate, Evgeny Ogienko, shared that his dissertation focuses on the development of youth social housing architecture in today's socioeconomic conditions. He explained that the core of his work is to address the question of what social housing for young people should look like today, so that it reflects their actual lifestyle, needs, and capabilities.
He explains the relevance of the topic by the fact that the problem of affordable housing for young people remains acute, while young people themselves have changed: they have become more mobile and structure their communication and daily life differently. Old, standardized solutions inherited from the past are often unsustainable, creating a demand for new housing—flexible, adaptable, and with developed public spaces.
In his research, Evgeny for the first time comprehensively linked Russia's contemporary socioeconomic realities with specific architectural solutions for young people, described a design methodology, identified a typology of social housing worldwide and in Russia, and developed principles for social housing. He studied Western experience and adapted models to Russian urban development conditions, regulations, and mentality.
"The main results, in essence, can be summarized as the creation of a flexible model for a youth housing complex that can be adapted to various urban situations—whether in the city center or in the outskirts. Importantly, the work has not only theoretical but also practical significance: specific recommendations for architects and developers have been proposed, and prospects for updating regulations that hinder the implementation of such projects have been outlined," says Evgeny Ogienko.
The most challenging aspect of the work, Evgeny admits, was the synthesis—the need to maintain focus on several professional levels simultaneously. This required immersion in sociology, conducting several iterations of the survey, understanding the economic models of social housing, and translating this multidimensional information into the language of architecture.
"The main challenge was finding a balance between social utopia (the desire to create an ideal environment), strict economic feasibility, and current regulations, which, as practice shows, often simply fail to keep pace with new housing typologies," says Evgeny Ogienko.
The first dissertation defenses under the new dissertation council became an important milestone in the development of architectural science at RUDN University, revealing new names and setting the bar for future research.
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