Presentation by Andrey Nikulin
On 19 October, a scientific and educational seminar titled "Innovative Technologies for 'Lean Construction'" was held at the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering. The event was organized to mark the 50th anniversary of the Department of Construction Management. Key topics included the department’s history and academic achievements, the training of engineering professionals, the practical application of its research in the construction sector, and the prospects for integrating digital technologies into the organization of construction processes.
The department’s anniversary served as an occasion not only to look back at its history, but also to discuss the role of its academic school in the development of the modern construction industry. Over the course of five decades, the department has established enduring traditions in the training of specialists and researchers, integrating fundamental scientific inquiry, teaching, and engagement in addressing practical challenges within the construction sector.
Head of the Department Roman Motylev presents a certificate of appreciation to Andrey Nikulin for his active participation in the anniversary seminar
In his welcoming remarks, Andrey Nikulin, Dean of the SPbGASU Faculty of Civil Engineering, emphasized that the training of qualified specialists remains a key prerequisite for the development of the industry. "Without well-trained, qualified professionals who possess a broad, comprehensive perspective, the construction industry cannot develop effectively," he noted.
The highlight of the seminar was a presentation by Sergey Bolotin, DSc in Engineering, a Visiting Professor at the Department of Construction Management. His report covered the establishment of the department, the development of its academic school, the contributions made by teachers to shaping professional traditions, and the prospects for future work.
Sergey Bolotin has been with the department since 1980, contributing to its research and educational activities for decades. In his remarks, he emphasized that it is the faculty members who ensure the continuity of knowledge, the development of research areas, and the preservation of professional expertise.
"The primary driving force behind the development of the Department of Construction Management has been, is, and will continue to be its faculty, as they are the ones who embody the department’s growth and expertise," noted Sergey Alekseevich.
Sergey Bolotin
Sergey Bolotin placed special emphasis on the role of Professor Viktor Afanasyev in establishing the department’s academic traditions and training new generations of researchers. One of the significant areas developed within this scientific school was the flow-based organization of construction. Research in this field focused on scheduling, the rational use of labor resources, and enhancing the efficiency of construction processes. According to the visiting professor, the department’s research work has always been closely linked to practical application. The findings were utilized to develop solutions for actual construction projects, with teachers, master’s and PhD students actively involved in project-related activities. This approach enabled students and young researchers to engage with tasks that closely mirrored the realities of professional practice.
Between 2007 and 2015, teachers, working alongside master’s and PhD students, developed construction organization and execution plans for a number of complex projects—for instance, the Olympic facilities in Sochi. A notable practical achievement is the construction organization plan for the Lakhta Center, developed by Islam Chakhkiev, an Associate Professor at the department. According to Sergey Alekseevich, these examples demonstrate that the Department of Construction Management fulfills not only an educational role but also an important applied scientific function. Its specialists contribute to addressing challenges related to the planning, coordination, and management of complex construction projects, and the outcomes of this work are integrated into the professional training of future engineers.
During the seminar
A specific segment of Sergey Bolotin’s presentation was devoted to modern technologies and their potential applications in construction. The professor noted that the development of artificial intelligence opens up new possibilities for data analysis, process optimization, and solving complex engineering challenges. "Artificial intelligence, based on machine learning, easily handles optimization tasks that we once considered the pinnacle of perfection," he emphasized.
At the same time, in his view, the introduction of new tools does not diminish the importance of fundamental training and accumulated scientific experience. On the contrary, the effective use of digital technologies requires specialists who understand the principles of construction organization, know how to formulate engineering problems, and are capable of critically evaluating the solutions generated.
Sergey Bolotin linked the department’s future prospects to a combination of scientific continuity, a practical focus, and a readiness to adopt modern technologies. Key objectives include advancing research in construction management, refining educational programs, and training specialists capable of working with digital tools and meeting the industry’s increasingly complex demands.