Archi.ru:
How did the idea of the special project come about? Is this a continuation of your exposition at Zodchestvo-2014 or an independent project?
Oscar Mamleev:
- For me, this is a continuation of the conversation about architectural education in the country. One of the important components of the educational process is research, serious analytical work, thoughtful, in-depth study of the realities of what is happening.
In many Russian universities there are talented teachers who are not formally related to teaching, offering original methods, linking them with the requirements of our time. In our project, we wanted to show the graduation works of various domestic schools, but the main thing is not a static exposition, but a live platform for discussions. Together with the Architectural School MARCH, during the days of the festival, lectures, seminars, round tables with the participation of students, teachers, practicing architects are organized.
Why were you invited to supervise this project?
- I have been working in the educational field for over 30 years, taking part in the competition of diploma works in the country. The opportunity to get acquainted with the methodology of world architectural schools allows us to understand their specifics and differences. Particularly valuable is the participation in recent years in the international project ARCHIPRIX - the competition of the world's architectural schools. Communication with foreign students shows their understanding of their leading role in the educational process. Only the student himself, who is really motivated in obtaining real knowledge, is able to choose his own "trajectory" of learning. And in this regard, a foreign architecture student not only strives to start earning money earlier, but tries to acquire design skills using new materials and technologies, the ability to defend his position, arguing it with his knowledge. I am happy to notice that this is beginning to manifest itself in our students. Knowing my indifference to the topic under discussion, the organizers offered me to supervise.
Architectural universities, like all other Russian institutes, have switched to two-stage training according to the bachelor-master scheme. How painless is this process?
- I do not think that the transition from a traditional educational doctrine to a 2-level educational doctrine is that difficult. There is a clear understanding of a bachelor's degree in Moscow Architectural Institute. Students must demonstrate professional skills in mastering the craft. A comprehensive project of a residential area with a detailed design of a multi-storey building is being submitted for defense. Such a specialist can independently solve some professional problems and is in demand in design workshops.
With a master's degree it is more difficult. There is a colossal difference in graduation work in England, Germany, Holland, North and South America. I evaluate these works not according to the principle which is better, but according to the degree of demand for these specialists in this or that country. It seems to me that master's theses in Russian universities should not be purely theoretical, but have a project output. I would like to talk about this within the framework of the festival.
What are your hopes for the future of Russian architectural education?
The quality of education depends directly on the teachers. The work of many colleagues gives me a reason to look to the future with optimism. I have repeatedly spoken about the merits of the architectural school in Russia, but it is necessary to constantly move forward, to understand the rapid change in life processes.
The intellectual resource is great. Greater openness and competition are needed. One of the necessary conditions is the integration of the national school into the international educational space. It is noticeable that in such states as Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, the Baltic countries, the process of renewal of the higher architectural school is distinguished by maximum dynamics precisely due to the desire to live in a single educational space. And to begin with, it is necessary to change the mentality of those who determine the content of new educational standards, carry out certification and accreditation of universities.
Victory will be ours.
