Published on: 2026-07-30
Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –
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In July, 24 students from the faculties of architecture and construction of SPbGASU underwent training at the international summer school Smart Cities 2026, organized by Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture (BUCEA) in collaboration with the International Consortium of Architectural Universities “One Belt One Road” (BRAUIC).
The program brought together more than 180 students, young professionals, and experts from 14 countries around the world, including China, Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Canada, and other nations. Participants underwent an educational, cultural, and social program aimed at developing professional skills, expanding international cooperation, and getting acquainted with the history and culture of China.
SPbGASU at the summer school was represented by students of non-graduating courses from the faculties of architecture and construction, who are proficient in English, have high academic performance, and have shown interest in intercultural interaction. The delegation was led by an associate professor of the Department of Architectural Design Darya Boytsova and associate professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture Ksenia Yakovleva.
Over the course of nine days, participants attended a series of lectures dedicated to current issues in architecture, urban planning, and the development of modern cities. Experts presented innovative experiences in preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage, discussed the conservation of sections of the Great Wall of China, strategies for the development of Chinese megacities, econometric models for forecasting demand for urban transportation, the use of artificial intelligence systems in city management, the revitalization of former industrial areas, and international scientific cooperation with UNESCO.
Theoretical classes were complemented by visits to iconic sites in Beijing and its surroundings. The SPbGASU delegation became acquainted with the Forbidden City, the Beijing Urban Planning Museum, the Summer Palace, Shougang Park, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, and the historic village of Beigou.
Special attention was given to the study of contemporary world architecture. Students and teachers visited the National Stadium in Beijing, the Galaxy Soho and Leeza Soho complexes, the Maritime Museum in Tianjin, The Eye library in the Binhai district, the library in Beijing’s Tongzhou district, the Apple Store pavilion in Beijing, and other famous architectural landmarks created by leading global architectural firms.
The practical part of the program included a series of master classes. One of them took place in the format of a Fun Run quest using the global BeiDou satellite navigation system. The best result among all participants was shown by a student of SPbGASU. Maxim Klochko. Among the winners, there was also recognized Elizaveta Gimanova, the prizewinner was Kirill Yaroshenko.
The summer school concluded with the BRAUIC forum, during which international student teams presented projects and presentations dedicated to the development of smart cities. Each team included representatives from SPbGASU. The university speakers were Alexandra Grinenko, Adriana Smolenskaya, Victoria Boytsova, Ekaterina Chepur and Maksim Klochko. Associate Professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture Ksenia Yakovleva gave a presentation dedicated to the main areas of activity and achievements of the department.
At the end of the program, all participants received personalized certificates. Representatives of the SPbGASU delegation expressed their gratitude to the organizers, volunteers, and the university’s international affairs office for the opportunity to participate in the international educational program.
Participation in the Smart Cities 2026 summer school allowed students not only to become familiar with modern approaches to city development and global architectural practice, but also to gain experience working in international teams, establish professional contacts with colleagues from different countries, and broaden their understanding of global trends in architecture, construction, and urban development.
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