Category: Санкт-Петербургский государственный архитектурно-строительный университет

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Speech by Andrey Surovenkov (right)

On November 5, a thematic session, "Artificial Intelligence in Urban Development: Opportunities and Challenges," was held as part of the Zodchestvo-2025 festival. Andrey Surovenkov, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, represented SPbGASU.

In his speech, he presented a program for integrating artificial intelligence technologies into the educational process of the Faculty of Architecture. According to Alexander Vladimirovich, AI is becoming an important tool for creative exploration, analysis, and visualization—from concept to final rendering. SPbGASU students are actively mastering modern neural network systems. The results obtained are combined with traditional design methods and manual refinement. This approach accelerates the design process, improves the quality of presentation, and develops the critical thinking of future architects, the head of the Faculty of Architecture noted.

Experience with AI is being integrated into course design and project activities at the university. As Andrey Surovenkov emphasized, SPbGASU is developing a new "architectural literacy" that includes the ability to interact with intelligent systems.

Near-term prospects include the creation of an "Architecture and AI" laboratory, joint courses with ITMO University's Institute of Design and Urban Studies, and the introduction of a new "AI and Architectural Thinking" module into the master's program.

The idea of integrating artificial intelligence into educational processes resonates with the overall digital transformation program being implemented at SPbGASU. The university is consistently developing a system of project-based learning and developing digital competencies in graduates, which is reflected in the activities of educational centers for project-based learning and digital competencies.

"AI won't replace an architect. But it will quickly replace those who are afraid to use it," Andrey Surovenkov concluded his speech.

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From left to right: Deputy Director of the Project-Based Learning Educational Center at SPbGASU Natalia Zaitseva, Inna Sukhanova, and Vice-Rector for Continuing Education at SPbGASU Victoria Vinogradova

Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) participated in a construction conference organized by Delovoy Peterburg. During the event, Inna Sukhanova, Director of the SPbGASU Project-Based Learning Educational Center, presented a report on the development of digital competencies in the construction industry.

In her speech, she emphasized the importance of transitioning to an educational model where students not only acquire theoretical knowledge but also engage in real-world project tasks using digital tools such as information modeling (IIM), data analytics, and artificial intelligence. She noted that SPbGASU has created a "continuous learning ecosystem," which includes interaction with business partners during the training process, the introduction of digital labs, and the development of specialized educational formats to enhance the skills of industry specialists.

Inna Sukhanova on project-based learning at SPbGASU

"Naturally, all our events are held jointly with our industrial partners. We take this opportunity, of course, to encourage businesses not to watch personnel training from the sidelines, but to actively participate in this process with us," added Inna Sukhanova.

At the conclusion of the conference, at the awards ceremony for the best in the "Construction Company Rating 2025," SPbGASU was awarded the prize "For the Integration of Digital Tools and Technologies into Training Programs in Architecture, Construction, and Housing and Utilities." This award recognized the university's contribution to the digital transformation of the construction industry and the development of practice-oriented education that bridges the interests of science, business, and future professionals.

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Irina Ivashkina, a first-year Master's student in Architectural Design, is working on a project to modernize the Central Children's Library in Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad Oblast, and will be completed in 2026.

Acting Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering Andrey Surovenkov spoke about this at the "Arkhitekton" forum during the section "Working with Young Architects – A Step into the Future." The discussion focused on the development of architectural education, student engagement in the professional community, and the integration of academic projects into real-world urban initiatives.

In his speech, Andrey Surovenkov shared the university's experience of working with partners, with whom the university is implementing a number of initiatives aimed at supporting young architects.

In particular, one of the key joint projects is the annual student competition "Interior Spaces of Libraries," which combines educational and professional practice. The competition allows SPbGASU students to develop their competencies in public interior design, learn to work with real clients, and consider the spatial context of future buildings. The competition's partners include the Leningrad Region Committee for Culture and Tourism, the Golden Trezzini International Architectural and Design Award, and the Leningrad Regional Universal Scientific Library (LRUL).

"An important part of architectural education today is hands-on practice and interaction with the professional community. When students work with real-life problems, with the support of experts and partners, they don't just learn—they become participants in shaping the environment of the future," noted Andrey Surovenkov. "Initiatives like these not only help students develop an understanding of the full cycle of architectural design—from concept to implementation—but also strengthen the university's social role as a platform for dialogue between education, culture, and the professional community."

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Representatives of SPbGASU participate in the discussion: Mikhail Vilensky (first from left), Yulia Yankovskaya (second from left), Svetlana Levoshko (fourth from left)

On November 6, as part of the XXXIII International Architectural Festival "Zodchestvo-2025" in Moscow, a discussion entitled "Architectural Science 'On the Edge' – A View from the Oldest School of Architecture" was held at the initiative of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU). This year's festival motto, "On the Edge," reflected the theme of finding common ground between science and practice in contemporary architecture and urban planning.

The event, organized by our university, brought together academics, practitioners, and representatives of government and public institutions. The event was moderated by Yulia Yankovskaya, Doctor of Architecture, Professor, and Head of the Department of Urban Planning at SPbGASU, and Mikhail Vilensky, Associate Professor of the Department of Urban Planning at SPbGASU and PhD in Architecture.

The discussion covered a wide range of current topics: from ecology and demography to digitalization and the preservation of architectural heritage.

Boris Revich, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, and Head of the Laboratory for Forecasting Environmental Quality and Population Health at the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences, emphasized the importance of hygienic comfort and the need to restore the integrated approach to urban design characteristic of the Soviet architectural school in his report "Ecology and the City. Demographic Processes in Urban Space."

In his presentation, "Master Plan: Theory and Practice," Daniil Veretennikov, Director of the VEB Assets: New Solutions Unit at the State Development Corporation VEB.RF, highlighted the current challenges and prospects of master planning, emphasizing the importance of balancing economic goals with the quality of the urban environment.

Ekaterina Tribelskaya, Academician of the Russian Academy of Arts and Head of the Department of Architecture at the V. I. Surikov Moscow State Architectural Institute, presented her experience of "synthesizing the arts" in creating comfortable urban spaces in her paper "Architecture – Science and/or Art." She expressed concern that artistic aspects are gradually disappearing from architectural practice.

Svetlana Levoshko, PhD in Architecture and Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning at SPbGASU, raised the issue of preserving architectural and urban heritage. She noted the contribution of LISI/SPbGASU to the development of scientific approaches to heritage protection and the need for comprehensive solutions in this area.

Oksana Peslyak, PhD in Architecture and Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, spoke about the digital challenges facing the architectural profession. She emphasized that the implementation of digital models should be based on scientific architectural typology and not replace the research process.

In closing the discussion, Yulia Yankovskaya identified the key problems of the current stage in the development of architectural and urban planning science: the loss of continuity and the substitution of long-term scientific guidelines for short-term economic decisions.

In his presentation, "Participatory Design in Architecture and Urban Planning: Theory and Practice," Mikhail Vilensky addressed the issue of resident participation in public discussions of territorial development projects, noting that actual citizen engagement remains extremely low.

The discussion became a significant event in the business program of the Zodchestvo-2025 festival. Participants concluded that the combination of scientific approach and practical experience will preserve and develop the best traditions of the Russian architectural school.

Particular attention was paid to the SPbGASU initiative to develop architectural science, including through the creation of a new scientific specialty 5.6.6 "History of Science and Technology (Architecture)", aimed at preserving the continuity and study of architectural heritage.

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Attention international students! We invite you to participate in a sociological survey. The study is being conducted at the initiative of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation as part of the International Forum of Foreign Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities. The goal of the survey is to promote comfortable living and studying conditions for foreign citizens in Russia.

You can take the survey until November 14.

Join the survey: your answers will help make your life and studies in Russia more comfortable, productive, and interesting!

Link to the survey

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Speech by Andrey Surovenkov (center)

In late October and early November, the second Architekton festival took place in St. Petersburg. It brought together architects, urbanists, designers, artists, developers, students, and anyone interested in architecture. Organized by the Union of Architects of St. Petersburg, the festival's partners included the Government of St. Petersburg, the Committee for Urban Development and Architecture, the Committee for Culture of St. Petersburg, the Leningrad Region Urban Development Policy Committee, the ETALON Group, Setl Group, DOM.RF, and the professional development leadership program Architects.rf.

On November 2, as part of the "Arkhitekton" forum, Andrey Surovenkov, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, participated in a roundtable discussion titled "What and How to Teach Those Who Want to Develop Cities?" Participants discussed how changes in technology and the urban environment are influencing educational approaches and the professional training of future architects and urban planners.

Andrey Surovenkov discussed our university's experience in integrating instructional design and professional practice, using a student-led study of modern libraries as an example. The results of this work were also presented at the Architecton exhibition, as part of the exhibit "From Academic Project to Real-World Object: The SPbGASU Experience."

The study focused on library spaces as modern community centers that foster communication, knowledge exchange, and cultural integration. The university's partners in the study were the Leningrad Regional Universal Scientific Library and the organizing committee of the Golden Trezzini International Architecture and Design Award.

After exploring a number of innovative library spaces, including international ones, and analyzing their spatial organization, students prepared course projects dedicated to solutions for modern libraries.

"It's important for us that educational design extends beyond the classroom and becomes part of a real professional environment. This is the only way to develop competencies across the entire architectural cycle—from concept to implementation," noted Andrey Surovenkov.

According to Andrey Surovenkov, our university adheres to an educational approach that synthesizes academic knowledge, competitive practice, and real-world design experience during the course of study. This approach demonstrates that the university is not only an educational but also a research platform, where student work becomes part of a professional dialogue on urban development. To further develop this approach, SPbGASU plans to strengthen its interaction with the professional community and the city's cultural institutions.

Thus, the design concept for the modernization of the Central Children's Library in Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad Region, developed by students of SPbGASU, was selected in a competition for the best interior design projects for public libraries in the region, organized by the Leningrad Regional Universal Scientific Library, SPbGASU, and the organizing committee of the Golden Trezzini International Architectural and Design Award. The student project will be implemented in 2026 as part of the federal project "Family Values and Cultural Infrastructure" of the national project "Family," with the support of the Governor and Government of the Leningrad Region and the Sosnovy Bor City Administration.

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Representatives of SPbGASU participated in the 1st Annual Scientific Conference "Economic Readings in Memory of Alexander Evseevich Karlik," dedicated to the memory of the outstanding scholar, educator, and organizer of the scientific school, Doctor of Economics, Professor A.E. Karlik. The conference took place on November 7 at St. Petersburg State University of Economics.

Participants at the event analyzed key trends and assessed the risks and opportunities facing the industrial sector in the context of slowing global and national economic growth, technological transformations, and structural changes.

Our university was represented by Professor Veronika Asaul, Head of the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and Utilities, and departmental graduate students Elza Zanemunchik and Isa Magerramov. Veronika Asaul presented a paper titled "Industrial Construction: Problems and Prospects." The study analyzes the current challenges and prospects for industrial construction development amid the transition to innovative technologies and sustainable practices. The paper provides a systematic examination of key factors influencing the efficiency of construction processes, including economic, technical, and environmental aspects.

Postgraduate students from the Department of Construction Economics and Housing and Utilities represented Veronika Asaul's research school at the youth section. Isa Magerramov presented a paper titled "Macroeconomic Challenges and Their Impact on Investment Activity in Industrial Construction," and Elza Zanemunchik presented a paper titled "Commercial Real Estate Management as Part of an Anti-Crisis Strategy in an Industrial Organization."

Researchers from St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU) noted that, in the current environment, macroeconomic instability significantly impacts investment activity in industrial construction, requiring the development of adaptive strategies and increased flexibility of investment portfolios. The analysis demonstrated the need to integrate macroeconomic factors into investment planning and management processes to minimize risks and optimize capital investments. Commercial real estate management, in turn, is viewed as an effective crisis management tool, contributing to the sustainability and financial stability of industrial enterprises. The report emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach to asset management, including assessing market trends, optimizing space utilization, and implementing modern technologies to enhance operational efficiency and competitiveness.

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Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

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Graduates of the Department of Transport Systems and Road and Bridge Construction at the Faculty of Automobile and Highway Engineering at St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU), specializing in "Construction of Unique Buildings and Structures. Construction of Bridges and Tunnels," have won the St. Petersburg Government Prize for completing their final qualifying theses on assignment from the executive authorities.

The works were presented at the "Students for the City" exhibition, which was held as part of the annual St. Petersburg Congress "Professional Education, Science, and Innovation in the 21st Century" at the ExpoForum Convention and Exhibition Center. The congress is held jointly with the St. Petersburg International Science and Education Fair under the auspices of the Committee for Science and Higher Education of the St. Petersburg Government.

The winners of the competition from SPbGASU were:

Margarita Ivanova with the project "Capital repair project of the Officers' Bridge in Sestroretsk." Head – Ph.D., Associate Professor Evgeniy Kornylyev;

Tatyana Rebenchuk with her final thesis, "Project of a Standard Bridge Made of Innovative Materials." Supervised by Senior Lecturer Dmitry Yaroshutin.

The award ceremony was conducted by Irina Ganus, First Deputy Chair of the Committee on Science and Higher Education, and Igor Maksimtsev, member of the Presidium of the Council of Rectors of Universities of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad Region and Rector of the St. Petersburg State University of Economics.

All awarded laureates received prizes, diplomas, and collections of scientific articles published based on the results of research conducted during the final qualifying work.

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Andrey Surovenkov and students at the forum

On October 29, second-year students from the Architectural Design Department at SPbGASU participated in a thematic session, "Dialogue with the Urban Environment," held as part of the BRICS International Municipal Forum in St. Petersburg. The event was organized by the Committee for External Relations and the Committee for Urban Development and Architecture of St. Petersburg. The session focused on harmonizing the city's architectural appearance, façade color schemes, architectural lighting, and preserving the historical identity of the urban environment.

Andrey Surovenkov, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, delivered a presentation titled "Color in the Historical Environment of St. Petersburg: Examples of Student Coursework from SPbGASU." He emphasized that color is not only an aesthetic category but also an important tool for preserving the identity of a place, the legibility of urban ensembles, and fostering a respectful dialogue between the past and the present.

"Color isn't just aesthetics; it's a language of respect for a historic city. It expresses the identity of a place and the legibility of urban ensembles. It's important to find a balance between preserving the city's material layer and enhancing contemporary life," noted Andrey Surovenkov.

In his speech, he outlined the key challenges facing the visual environment of central St. Petersburg: inconsistent façade colors, visual noise from signs and storefronts, fading paintwork, and unauthorized renovations. At the same time, according to the speaker, there is also a reverse risk—the "museumification" of the urban fabric, when the desire for preservation turns the historical environment into a static backdrop, losing its connection with modern life.

At SPbGASU, urban color issues are studied not only theoretically but also through student projects, which serve as a laboratory for analysis and experimentation. Future architects conduct historical and coloristic analyses, photographic surveys, and map dominant features and palettes of eras, developing design recommendations for neighborhoods in the historical center of the Northern Capital. This approach allows students to view their projects as pilot models for potential urban solutions.

The university's proposed principles include a "sensitive restoration" of the palette—a combination of neutral background façades with accent elements and careful coordination of modern inserts with the historical context. The tools include color passports for buildings and streets, pattern books for façades and storefronts, an open map of the city's "color codes," and guidelines for selecting durable paints and varnishes.

According to session participants, the implementation of such approaches contributes to a more cohesive streetscape, improved urban environment quality, predictable business solutions, and reduced conflicts between residents, authorities, and developers. SPbGASU proposed implementing joint pilot projects with the Committee for Urban Development and Architecture on selected streets of St. Petersburg, as well as holding a student design competition as a form of public dialogue within the BRICS forum.

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Denis Nizhegorodtsev's speech at the championship opening

On November 6, the 8th All-Russian TIM Championship officially opened at SPbGASU. Denis Nizhegorodtsev, Director of the SPbGASU Educational Center for Digital Competencies, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He emphasized that today's design reality involves collaborative problem-solving by specialized specialists, and the TIM Championship teaches how to comprehensively utilize digital solutions for all parallel processes involved in construction projects of any complexity.

This year, the championship brought together participants from 10 Russian universities. Teams from St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (SPbGASU), Nizhny Novgorod State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (NNGASU), Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU), Tyumen Industrial University (TIU), Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (NRU MGSU), Togliatti State University (TSU), and Far Eastern State Transport University (FESU) will compete in person.

Vyatka State University (VyatSU), South Ural State University (SUSU), and Tomsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (TSUACE) are participating in the championship remotely.

Each team consists of seven members and completes a single task across seven competencies: architect, designer, heating and ventilation engineer, water supply and wastewater engineer, estimator, electrical engineer, and TIM coordinator. In one week, the teams will have to create a complete digital model of a children's educational institution in St. Petersburg.

The final of the TIM Championship will take place on November 14.

"Competitions like these allow us to improve and test our university knowledge, develop teamwork skills, and share experiences and best practices in digital design in a short timeframe and under conditions similar to real-world project tasks," Denis Nizhegorodtsev is confident.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.