Russia, Irkutsk
E-mail: info@winteruni.ru
27th Session:
IRKUTSK.
KARL MARX STREET AREA.
A NEW LIFE FOR THE STREETS OF THE HISTORIC CITY CENTER
Karl Liebknecht St., Babushkina St., Chekhova St., Fourier St., Uritskogo St., Kievskaya St., Gryaznova St.
September 18–24, 2025 | February 2026
SESSION 27
START OF STAGE II
FEBRUARY 24, 2026
FEBRUARY 24, 2026
Applications for participation closed on September 10, 2025
Applications from international participants for the February session are currently open
Master’s Program
of the Winter University
of the Winter University
In 2024, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation initiated the integration of the annual sessions of the International Baikal Winter University of Urban Planning with the Master’s degree program.
Students of the Master’s program also take part in the project teams. The program’s concept brings together graduate students and participants into interdisciplinary project teams to develop visions for the future of the Irkutsk region, exchange ideas, attend lectures and excursions, receive professional consultations, and present their results to an international jury.
The educational program continues the traditions of the design schools of Irkutsk National Research Technical University (IRNITU) and introduces a unique focus in Russia on interdisciplinary teamwork in project-based education.
Click to learn more
Students of the Master’s program also take part in the project teams. The program’s concept brings together graduate students and participants into interdisciplinary project teams to develop visions for the future of the Irkutsk region, exchange ideas, attend lectures and excursions, receive professional consultations, and present their results to an international jury.
The educational program continues the traditions of the design schools of Irkutsk National Research Technical University (IRNITU) and introduces a unique focus in Russia on interdisciplinary teamwork in project-based education.
Click to learn more
TOPICS OF THE WORKING GROUPS
1. An Intercampus Pedestrian Bridge over the Angara River to Karl Marx Street: A New Planning Axis for Irkutsk
2. The Revitalization of Karl Marx Street and the New Transportation Scheme for Irkutsk's City Center.
3. Karl Marx Street as a Network of Public Spaces (Courtyards) and Pedestrian Routes for the Daily Life of the City's Residents
4. The Intersection of Karl Marx and Lenin Streets – A New Interpretation. The City's Primary Planning Crossroad
5. Development of historical buildings using the example of Karl Marx Street fragments
6. An Interpretation of the Central Streets in the Historic Settlement of Irkutsk (Karl Marx, Karl Liebknecht, Babushkina, Chekhova, Fourier, Uritskogo, Kievskaya, and Gryaznova Streets)
2. The Revitalization of Karl Marx Street and the New Transportation Scheme for Irkutsk's City Center.
3. Karl Marx Street as a Network of Public Spaces (Courtyards) and Pedestrian Routes for the Daily Life of the City's Residents
4. The Intersection of Karl Marx and Lenin Streets – A New Interpretation. The City's Primary Planning Crossroad
5. Development of historical buildings using the example of Karl Marx Street fragments
6. An Interpretation of the Central Streets in the Historic Settlement of Irkutsk (Karl Marx, Karl Liebknecht, Babushkina, Chekhova, Fourier, Uritskogo, Kievskaya, and Gryaznova Streets)
The genesis and development of Irkutsk’s historic center over the course of four centuries — as the city’s and the region’s major public and business district — make it a unique place to visit. Beyond being the modern business hub, the historic center is a place of vibrant connections, where employees, residents, students, and tourists cross paths throughout the year, inspired by the atmosphere of the historic urban fabric.
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ЭТАПЫ МЕРОПРИЯТИЯ 26-й проектной сессии
Urban Planning Session
Formation of five project teams, site assessment, identification of challenges and tools, development of the design brief, and presentation of results to an expert jury
COMPLETED
programme
Formation of five project teams, site assessment, identification of challenges and tools, development of the design brief, and presentation of results to an expert jury
COMPLETED
programme
September 18–24, 2025
Autumn Project Semester
Analysis of development conditions in the structures of the historic center, formulation of project team strategies, and presentation to the local expert community
Analysis of development conditions in the structures of the historic center, formulation of project team strategies, and presentation to the local expert community
October – December 2025
Winter Urban Planning Session
Development and justification of the project concept, object modeling, and presentation to an international jury
Development and justification of the project concept, object modeling, and presentation to an international jury
February 16 – March 1, 2026
Final Stage
Detailing of design solutions, project visualization, and final presentations to the city administration and experts.
The project semester concludes with high-quality proposals for the pedestrian network of the future historic city and the renovation of Karl Marx Street
Detailing of design solutions, project visualization, and final presentations to the city administration and experts.
The project semester concludes with high-quality proposals for the pedestrian network of the future historic city and the renovation of Karl Marx Street
March – May 2026
● Identification of the main challenges and problems of the city center, including the historic core of Irkutsk
● Definition of strategic goals and directions for the renovation of the central axis — the intersection of Karl Marx and Lenin Streets — and determination of the next steps in its development
● Decomposition of strategic goals into specific design objectives
● Identification of priority areas of project work for each thematic group and formulation of design briefs
● Definition of strategic goals and directions for the renovation of the central axis — the intersection of Karl Marx and Lenin Streets — and determination of the next steps in its development
● Decomposition of strategic goals into specific design objectives
● Identification of priority areas of project work for each thematic group and formulation of design briefs
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION
English Language Proficiency Level B1 or higher
To participate, you should feel comfortable in an international environment and be able to discuss professional topics in English.
Experience in Urban Planning and Real-World Projects
Our community is interdisciplinary, so applications are considered regardless of your primary field of study. If you have education or experience in addressing complex issues of urban or rural development, please include this in your portfolio — whether you are a geologist, an architect, or a future medical professional.
Education
The Winter University welcomes:
- graduates
- 4th–5th year undergraduate students and Master’s students of any specialization
- and professionals with experience in urban planning or spatial development
Participation as a Participant or Assistant
Determine whether your competencies correspond to the desired role of a participant.
Participation as a Lecturer or Expert
Applications from lecturers and experts are reviewed on an individual basis. Please send your CV and preferred form of participation to info@winteruni.ru
If You Lack Some of the Required Competencies…
Even if you do not fully meet the listed competencies, you are still welcome to apply. If the Winter University recognizes your strong motivation, you have a chance to be selected as a participant.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION
English Language Proficiency Level B1 or higher
To participate, you should feel comfortable in an international environment and be able to discuss professional topics in English.
Experience in Urban Planning and Real-World Projects
Our community is interdisciplinary, so applications are considered regardless of your primary field of study. If you have education or experience in addressing complex issues of urban or rural development, please include this in your portfolio — whether you are a geologist, an architect, or a future medical professional.
Education
The Winter University welcomes:
- graduates
- 4th–5th year undergraduate students and Master’s students of any specialization
- and professionals with experience in urban planning or spatial development
Participation as a Participant or Assistant
Determine whether your competencies correspond to the desired role of a participant.
Participation as a Lecturer or Expert
Applications from lecturers and experts are reviewed on an individual basis. Please send your CV and preferred form of participation to info@winteruni.ru
If You Lack Some of the Required Competencies…
Even if you do not fully meet the listed competencies, you are still welcome to apply. If the Winter University recognizes your strong motivation, you have a chance to be selected as a participant.
Frequently Asked Questions
participant
How much does participation cost?
Organizing Committee
Participation is free of charge at the application stage and is payable only after the application is approved.
The participation fee will be announced in the coming days.
Applications are reviewed within 7 days, and in exceptional cases — until the final publication of the selection results.
The participation fee will be announced in the coming days.
Applications are reviewed within 7 days, and in exceptional cases — until the final publication of the selection results.
participant
Is accommodation and meals provided?
Organizing Committee
The Winter University provides accommodation for all participants — one day before the start of the event and one day after its completion.
Meals are to be arranged individually by participants.
IRNITU has its own cafeteria on campus.
Meals are to be arranged individually by participants.
IRNITU has its own cafeteria on campus.
participant
Who covers travel expenses (air and train tickets)?
Organizing Committee
Travel expenses are covered by the sending organization.
The Winter University prepares an official letter to the sending institution requesting that you be assigned to participate during the event dates and informing them about the expected transfer expenses.
The possibility of covering your travel costs depends on the sending organization.
All other local transfer expenses related to excursions and program activities are covered by the Organizing Committee.
The Winter University prepares an official letter to the sending institution requesting that you be assigned to participate during the event dates and informing them about the expected transfer expenses.
The possibility of covering your travel costs depends on the sending organization.
All other local transfer expenses related to excursions and program activities are covered by the Organizing Committee.
participant
What will I gain from the program?
Organizing Committee
You will gain invaluable experience working on real-world territorial development challenges, expand your professional network, and add a project case to your portfolio.
Each team also receives an official participation certificate, along with memorable prizes and gifts.
Each team also receives an official participation certificate, along with memorable prizes and gifts.
ask a question
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Official Emailinfo@winteruni.ru -
Svetlana OrlovaCoordinator of the Winter University
info@winteruni.ruYou may contact Svetlana regarding the current schedule of working days, organization of the event venue, provision of necessary materials and equipment, and assistance with any issues that may arise during the event.
