The architectural contest "GASUSPACE" for the development of the concept for the SPbGASU main building's lobby has ended. It has become a significant event for students, university graduates, the professional community and an important platform for exchanging experience and demonstrating the creative potential of young architects. It was attended by 28 people who offered their ideas for creating a modern multifunctional space.

The contestants had to develop a concept for a multifunctional lobby interior, including a checkpoint, balustrades and a lower level with a cloakroom and bathrooms, taking into account the requirements for convenient zoning, a harmonious combination of elements and the use of modern solutions for educational spaces.

Jury: architect Kristina Dmitrova, Svetlana Bochkareva, Svetlana Golovina, head of the product department of the development group "GloraX" Aleksandr Kosogorov, architect of "Da bureau" Olga Smetanina, co-founder of the architectural bureau "KLAUZURA" Daria Miroshnichenko

The jury included the SPbGASU First Vice-Rector Svetlana Golovina, the chief architect of SPbGASU Svetlana Bochkareva, representatives of famous architectural firms and the industry. Earlier, at the semi-final, the jury members assessed the originality of ideas, the elaboration of details, the functionality of the projects, their compliance with modern trends and selected 13 projects for the final that demonstrated the diversity and originality of solutions.

The final of the contest was held in the format of public defense, where the contestants presented their concepts. They spoke in detail about their approaches, solutions and answered questions, which allowed the jury to understand the depth of the projects' development and the contestants' ability to argue their ideas. The jury noted that the projects presented were not just academic works, but full-fledged professional concepts that could be brought to life.

The winners in the “Best Student Project” nomination were fifth-year students of the Faculty of Architecture Arina Krivtsova and Azamat Dzhavatkhanov.

Winners in the nomination "Best Student Project" Azamat Dzhavatkhanov, Arina Krivtsova and Svetlana Golovina

"We have been studying at our university for five years and as future specialists we understand that it would be good to turn the lobby into a modern, beautiful and multifunctional space. Therefore, we considered the contest a great opportunity to present our ideas, our vision of the design solution," Azamat said.

Arina clarified that she and her classmate had already done several joint works, so by the beginning of the contest they had formed a professional tandem.

"Therefore, we have no disagreements in terms of design solutions. The concept of the lobby also came together in unison: we wanted to add more light, we had the same vision of the location of various details and the overall appearance of the future space," the winners explained.

Second place went to fourth-year students Anton Ikonnikov and Fedor Zhdanov. Third place went to the project of fifth-year students Yana Alferova and Anna Kotlyagina.

Svetlana Golovina presents the diploma for second place to Anton Ikonnikov and Fedor Zhdanov

Svetlana Golovina presents the diploma for third place to Yana Alferova and Anna Kotlyagina

Valeria Barchan and Daria Grigorieva were recognized as the winners in the nomination "Best Graduate Project". Valeria Barchan is a 2024 graduate and works at a design institute. Daria completed her master's degree in 2022 and was Valeria's colleague until recently. They say that as soon as they saw the announcement of the contest, they immediately decided to participate.

Winners in the nomination "Best Graduate Project" Daria Grigorieva, Valeria Barchan and Svetlana Golovina

"The first thoughts were about optimizing the spaces, because when entering the building, the first thing we see is visual noise, unused areas. We wanted to preserve recognizable historical elements as much as possible, emphasize the present and look into the future, thus marking the vector of development, since the University of Architecture and Civil Engineering and the industry as a whole have always been characterized by the search for new technologies, forms, solutions. Working on the project, we offered each other ideas, evaluated them and then compiled the best. We tried to invest a lot of skills, knowledge and developed the project taking into account its implementation, eliminating problematic issues that most often arise in practice," the winners said.

The winners and prize winners received cash prizes. The works recognized as the most promising will be offered for implementation as part of the renovation of the SPbGASU main lobby.

The architectural contest demonstrated the high level of training of students and graduates of the university, their ability to develop projects that meet modern requirements and trends in architecture. Support for talented youth, the opportunity to implement their ideas and contribute to the development of the university make this competition not only a significant event, but also an incentive for further growth of participants.