Innovative approaches to school reconstruction were discussed at KBSU
A scientific seminar on the modernization of educational spaces was held at the Institute of Architecture, Construction, and Design of the Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after Kh.M. Berbekov. Valery Khuranov, Associate Professor of the Department of Architecture and Design, presented a paper titled «Reconstruction of a School’s Space-Planning Solution Using the Example of a Building in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.»
The discussion was based on a project developed by a student team led by Khuranov as part of the all-Russian «Dream School» initiative. The project, which has been implemented since 2022 with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science, aims to engage students in real-life design and incorporate young people’s opinions in the development of a modern school environment.
The subject of the study was Lyceum No. 2 in Nalchik, an educational building for elementary grades. Student architects and designers analyzed the building’s condition, identified problem areas, conducted a survey, and collected suggestions from students, parents, and teachers. Key requests included updating the bathrooms, refurbishing dressing rooms and lounge areas, improving lighting, and modernizing the entrance.
«This is a unique experience, where students work with a real-life facility and solve practical problems,» noted Valery Khuranov. «Our goal is not just cosmetic renovations, but the development of a concept that will radically improve the educational environment based on the direct feedback of the school community.»
The proposed project envisions a comprehensive renovation of the lyceum. The central idea was to move the gymnasium and cafeteria into separate annexes. This solution not only brings these spaces into line with modern requirements but also frees up significant space within the main building. According to the authors’ calculations, this will make it possible to move instruction to a single shift, a priority for state education policy.
The project presents detailed solutions for reorganizing recreation areas, creating cozy lounge areas, modern classrooms, and a comfortable entrance. The aesthetic concept—including the color scheme and corporate identity—was also developed with user input in mind.
It’s worth noting that during the lyceum renovation, student contributions, particularly the proposed color palette and design solutions, have already been put to practical use.
Valery Khuranov’s presentation generated keen interest among the seminar participants. The potential of the proposed concept, adapting projects to the specific needs of individual schools, and the importance of practice-oriented education for future architects and designers were discussed.
As a reminder, students of the Institute of Architecture and Design at KBSU are actively participating in the «Dream School» project. In 2024, university teams prepared design projects for five schools in the republic included in the capital renovation program.