As part of the cooperation between the St Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and the development company Glavstroy St Petersburg, SPbGASU students took part in a competition to develop concepts for an engineering center.

For two months, 11 fourth-year bachelor's students studying at the Department of Architectural Design worked on concepts for an engineering center in Ust-Labinsk, the administrative center of the Ust-Labinsk municipal district in the Krasnodar region. Project defenses and awarding of the winners took place on 5 April at SPbGASU.

The competition was held for the purpose of finding artistic, architectural and engineering solutions that would allow the formation of a single holistic concept of a modern engineering center based on the individual proposals of the competitors. The organizers were the developer Glavstroy St Petersburg, the "Volnoe Delo" Social Innovation Support Fund and the "Progress Agro" group of companies. The competition was supervised by the SPbGASU Project Architectural Student Center. The technical assignment was prepared by specialists from the Glavstroy St Petersburg company and the "Progress Agro" group of companies. While performing design, students could consult with the specialists. The works were evaluated by a competition commission.

The modern multifunctional center will conduct research and development work in the field of transport and technological systems with a focus on electronics and robotics, including the possibility of launching small-scale production. It is planned to be located on the territory of the Kuban industrial park.

Head of the department for work with youth and students of the company "Glavstroy St Petersburg" Irina Kokorina, student Maria Sarycheva and director of the SPbGASU Project Architectural Student Center Aleksandra Kuzmina

First place was won by student Maria Sarycheva. The author of the project focused on comfort for visitors and employees of the center and tried to take into account the climatic features of the region. The figurative concept of the complex was the creation of a technological space that synthesizes innovation and agriculture. The main part of the facades is painted white with a green accent. In addition to its function of protecting against overheating, white is clearly visible against the background of the field, and green accents refer to the natural theme. A large glass area has been designed, which will provide the premises with natural light. At the same time, the shade of the glazing is emerald with copper-colored imposts.

Sun protection panels are designed on the eastern and western facades. To provide the building with natural lighting and reduce the cost of artificial lighting, a two-light space is provided in the main block and skylights in the production area.

The arc on the main facade accentuates the entrance group of the complex and forms a chamber distribution space with two entrances. The entrance group is made using a recess with a courtyard with landscaping and wooden canopy structures.

“It is important to participate in competitions at least for the sake of experience; in our case there was an interesting task that we would not have encountered as part of the curriculum. So curiosity played a big role in the decision to participate,” shared Maria.

Irina Kokorina, Arina Gnusareva and Aleksandra Kuzmina

Second place went to student Arina Gnusareva. She studied contemporary examples of such facilities, designed by the world's leading architects. These analogues helped her understand the main principles in the design of such large and complex structures. According to the assignment, the engineering center was to include production units, laboratories, a training center, exhibition spaces and public space. In her project, the author wanted to show a clear division of functions into blocks, which brought up the image of the center, built on the contrasting of the building spaces.

The protruding console helps create an accent and high-tech image that references modern tech company campuses. In addition, Arina wanted to create a comfortable environment for the center’s employees. This is how the public part appeared, which is the “heart” of the object and a place for communication. It ties all parts of the center together and continues the external architecture into the interior thanks to the large atrium and grand staircase.

“I decided to participate in the competition because it is a great opportunity to practice my speaking and project presentation skills. Next year I will have to work on my graduation project, which will need to be defended before a commission. The competition from the Glavstroy company was an excellent opportunity to try my hand at public speaking. Any architectural competition is interesting, because I can come up with something new, challenge my imagination and apply the skills I acquire during my studies,” said Arina.

Irina Kokorina, Aleksandra Kuzmina and Polina Volosatova

Third place went to Polina Volosatova, who proposed a clear separation of the flows of clients and employees so that the entire work process was visible to visitors, but they did not interfere with employees. This creates an excursion trail on the second floor.

The competitors were supervised by Associate Professors at the Department of Architectural Design Maria Yakunenkova and Igor Ivanov.

“The students did a very good job. Each project has its own individual character and technique. The competition participants completed not only educational design tasks for the formation of a multifunctional complex, but also had an in-depth understanding of the technology of the production building. At the sketch stage, students presented projects remotely, and jury members expressed their wishes for improvement. These comments helped to consider in detail aspects of energy efficiency and environmental friendliness of the building and improve projects,” said Maria Yakunenkova.

According to Maria Sergeevna, SPbGASU often holds competitions on the initiative and on the assignment of construction and investment companies. This is not the first time the university has collaborated with Glavstroy St Petersburg, but this is the first time such a topic as an engineering center has been developed.