ADVANCED URBAN DESIGN
MASTER’S PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT AND REALISATION
Curator & Director: Anastassia Smirnova
Location: Moscow RU
Client: Strelka Institute
Host institution: National Research University Higher School of Economics
Traditionally, architects and planners focused primarily on spatial objects. Today, however, the scope of their work has expanded significantly and includes engagement with media and social networks, collaboration with local communities, participation in educational and cultural programmes, and the integration of new technologies. The global demand for urban professionals with such a broad and hybrid skill set—often described as “designer-entrepreneurs” — is rapidly growing. Developing precisely this profile was the core ambition of the Advanced Urban Design (AUD) programme created by SVESMI partner Anastassia Smirnova-Berlin.
The AUD programme was the only interdisciplinary, international Master’s programme in Urban Design in the vast post-Soviet space. It provided an exceptional framework for projective exploration of non-Western urban and rural conditions. The curriculum introduced students to contemporary European and American design theories and practices while simultaneously equipping them with operational tools for applying this knowledge in new and emerging markets.
The programme fostered a deep understanding of research and design processes in highly volatile urban contexts, including cities in South Africa, Russia, and other CIS countries, and offered competencies that extended well beyond conventional urbanism. It developed unique expertise in conducting projects and research in developing countries and economies in transition—regions where the majority of global urbanization and suburbanization is taking place today.
The Advanced Urban Design programme was discontinued in 2018 as part of a broader campaign by the Russian Federation to terminate international programmes at state universities.
Advanced Urban Design Program Tutors:
