A project of first-year master's student in the Architectural Design program Irina Ivashkina to modernize the Central Children's Library in Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad Region, will be implemented in 2026.

Acting Dean of the SPbGASU Faculty of Architecture Andrey Surovenkov discussed this at the Architekton forum during the thematic section "Working with young architects – a step into the future." The discussion focused on the development of architectural education, engaging students in the professional activities, and integrating academic projects into real-world urban initiatives.

In his speech, Andrey Surovenkov shared the university's experience of interaction 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 (LRUSL).

"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."