Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Institute of Civil Engineering, together with the developer RBI Group, organized an introductory internship for master's students in the international educational program "Civil Engineering." During the internship, the students visited the construction site of the Kuindzhi residential complex.
The event was attended by second-year master's students from 11 countries: China, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Ethiopia, Burundi, Zimbabwe, Sudan, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Afghanistan, as well as their Russian classmates. The tour was led by Natalia Braila, Associate Professor at the Institute of Hydrotechnical and Power Engineering (ISI) and Head of the Educational Program.
A visit to the residential complex under construction provided a unique opportunity for students to observe the modern construction methods and technologies used by leading developers in St. Petersburg today: from modern engineering systems to landscaping, structural systems, energy-efficient facades and translucent structures, digital coordination via a BIM model, and tender process management.
St. Petersburg has historically been and remains a place for implementing the most advanced technologies, from the construction of the first brick buildings on Vasilievsky Island to the construction of Europe's tallest skyscraper. Our goal, as one of the oldest technical universities in the country, is to share our achievements with talented specialists from friendly countries, who can contribute to the development of their own countries and bring their original ideas to our land. And it's important to us that we have the support of St. Petersburg's leading developers in this endeavor," emphasized SPbPU Rector Andrey Rudskoy.
The tour was led by Sergey Neelov, Head of the RBI Group's Engineering Team, and Taisiya Zelenkova, Director of Information Policy and Communications at RBI Group. During the visit, the specialists explained the project's features to the students and answered their questions.
The event included a tour of the facility's main areas: the architectural design and layout of the exterior, underground parking, apartment units, and the technical rooms supporting the building's utility systems. Of particular interest was the opportunity to examine the utility systems during the installation phase, prior to finishing work, allowing future specialists to thoroughly examine the logic behind the systems' placement and operating principles.
The graduate students also learned about the concept behind the residential complex's name. They were introduced to the philosophy behind the name "Kuindzhi," which reflects the connection between the building's architectural image and the creative legacy of artist Arkhip Kuindzhi, renowned for his mastery of light and color. This example demonstrated the potential for integrating artistic and engineering approaches in creating a comfortable urban environment.
Our mission is not only to develop urban areas through our projects but also to pass on our experience to talented young people and future generations. We actively collaborate with the Polytechnic University, holding lectures and discussions, and now also practical tours for young engineers and construction workers. Without this transfer of experience, the further development of the industry, and with it the development of the economy and the country, would be impossible," noted Eduard Tiktinsky, President of the RBI Group and Honorary Professor of SPbPU.
Eduard Tiktinsky more than once met with students of SPbPU and gave lectures. At these meetings, he shares his experiences, secrets of personal effectiveness and developing new skills with students, helping them find their path and profession. Since 2025, the President of RBI has held the title Honorary Professor of SPbPUEduard Tiktinsky is also known for his support of young entrepreneurs and as an expert in education. In 2017, he initiated the creation of the non-profit educational project "School of Future Leaders" for talented and motivated high school students. It now brings together over 200 participants—schoolchildren, students, and university graduates. Eduard Tiktinsky's lectures, presentations, and discussions at various business clubs invariably draw full houses.
"It was a fantastic experience for our group. Watching the construction of a residential complex in real life, especially with the team working diligently even in the snow, was fascinating and inspiring," noted Master's student Anas Ahmed.
"I really enjoyed the tour, from the beautiful façade to the underground parking, water supply, heating, and low-voltage systems, apartments, and the control room. For me, it was a clear confirmation of the high level of the Russian engineering school, which my mentor in Nigeria, architect Christian Uloko, had told me about," commented master's student Ndur Aondona Elijah.
"The tour of the RBI construction site was a profound practical lesson in quality, safety, and organizational discipline in modern construction. We saw all the key areas of the site—from the underground parking garage with utility systems to the apartment. I was particularly impressed by RBI's philosophy—a balance of innovation and strict control that allows for the creation of reliable and beautiful buildings. For me, as a future engineer, this visit was clear confirmation that construction is not just about calculations and materials, but about respect for the plan and uncompromising quality at every stage. I thank the Institute of Strategic Studies and RBI for this invaluable experience," said Master's student Umar Khazrat.
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