Published on: 2026-10-15
Source: Novosibirsk State University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
In the new educational and scientific center Institute of Medicine and Medical Technologies of Novosibirsk State University (IMMT NSU), which relates to the second phase objects the modern campus of NSU, being constructed as part of the national project “Youth and Children,” the work on creating a navigation system has been completed. It helps to quickly navigate the complex structure of the building and at the same time becomes part of the unified visual image of the new NSU buildings.
The navigation concept was developed by a designer Margarita Moreva. It is based on principles that were previously implemented in the lecture hall building complex — functionality, simplicity, and visual expressiveness, inspired by the Bauhaus style.
— Initially, we were developing navigation in the building of lecture halls. Bauhaus was the foundation — this style is relevant, simple, and functional. In my opinion, it fits perfectly into the existing identity of the new buildings, while not conflicting with the university’s internal design code. Navigation should be as clear and intuitive as possible since many students at NSU come from other countries. The basis was color as an anchor. If in the lecture hall building we used bright colors from NSU’s brand book, then in the educational and scientific center we applied a stricter palette referencing medical institutions., — Margarita Moreva said.
When designing the navigation, the designers took into account the architectural features of the building. Due to the large number of corridors, staircases, and similar spaces, the main task was to make moving around the building as clear as possible.
— The building is interesting: many corridors, white walls, confusing staircases — it’s easy to get lost. Therefore, it should start communicating, guiding students, staff, and faculty on how to find the optimal route. The illustrations on the walls correspond to the zoning, large arrows indicate only the numbering of rooms, and on each stairway landing there is floor-by-floor navigation with color accents so that a person always understands where they are. The first floor is red — that’s how we welcome and alert. Blue is the zero floor, where future specialists undergo practical training. From light gray to graphite — floors where main teaching takes place. We marked the floor with simulation classrooms in blue because it is always associated with innovation and technology. — noted the designer.
The navigation combines familiar signposts, color coding, and custom graphic elements. All solutions adhere to a unified logic and are designed for different ways of perceiving information.
— It is important for any person to be able to understand exactly where and why they are going. Intuitively, quickly, and interestingly. In this building, we allowed ourselves to add drawings on the walls to diversify the interior, but they also became a logical continuation of the navigation. Each element is necessary for quick orientation, and each has its own function. If a person hesitates and misses one arrow, they will then encounter another element — a direction, a room number, or a color mark. An association immediately arises. All people are different: some find it easier to read text, others have better visual thinking, and some perceive color faster. Moreover, the university has many international students. For them, signs are an international language. There is also a translation, but symbols are recognized much faster. We developed them together with the designer Sonya Beyda. — explained Margarita Moreva.
One of the features of the project was the large-scale graphic illustrations, which not only enliven the interior but also help with spatial orientation.
— The appearance of drawings on the walls as independent navigational elements is one of the most interesting solutions. I also really like the arrows indicating the rooms — it looks very modern. As a result, the building turned out to be restrained, yet creative precisely because of the drawings, — shared the opinion of the concept’s author.
According to Margarita Moreva, modern navigation has long ceased to be merely a system of signposts. It shapes the impression of the university and becomes part of its identity.
— This is very important because navigation is the face of the university. I believe that young people need to be cultivated with a sense of taste at every step. Systematic approach and orderliness. The university is about science, education, and production. Many graduate from NSU and stay to build their careers in Akademgorodok. They studied here, and then they will bring this aesthetic to their workplaces and their lives, where there will also be order, space for science and creativity. Because our navigation is also creative, — explained the designer.
The main goal of the project was to create a space where people want to be not only during classes.
— I wanted to spark interest, a desire to stay and watch everything. So that people would enjoy spending time here outside of classes and would want to take care of this space. Because it’s beautiful, and you want to preserve it. To take photos against the backdrop and be proud of the place where you study., — concluded Margarita Moreva.
The commissioning permit for the UNTS IMMT NSU was obtained on June 23, 2026, and the ceremonial opening of the new building took place on September 2.
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