Architectural reconstruction

The Department of Architectural Renovation is a graduating department specializing in the field of “Restoration and Reconstruction of Architectural Heritage.”
The main focus of the department is the training of professionals proficient in modern methods of restoration, adaptation, and renewal of architectural objects.

The educational process includes the study of the theory and history of architecture, design, restoration, color science, and digital technologies in the architectural environment. This comprehensive training allows graduates to professionally engage in the preservation and modernization of architectural heritage.

The department was established in 1998 and has since been one of the graduating departments of KSUCTA. Until 2017, it trained architect-restorers (specialists).

Since 2012, the department has switched to a two-level academic system under the program 750300 “Restoration and Reconstruction of Architectural Heritage” (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees).
Training is offered full-time on both state-funded and contract bases in the following areas:

Reconstruction of existing development (Bachelor’s degree – 5 years)
Restoration and reconstruction of architectural heritage (Master’s degree – 2 years)

Since 2021, the department has also been training PhD doctoral students (4 years).
Starting from 2025, it will offer training for specialists with a 6-year study period.

Goals and Objectives

The main goal of the Department of Architectural Renovation (AR) is to ensure high-quality training of students by providing them with fundamental knowledge, practical skills, and competencies necessary for the future profession of a restorer.
To achieve this, the department continuously improves its infrastructure and educational system. The development of the educational program is carried out in the following key areas:

Organizing and conducting academic and methodological work in the disciplines assigned to the department using modern teaching methods;
Conducting scientific research on the topic “Problems and Prospects of Cultural Heritage Preservation” and publishing results (monographs, articles, manuals, collections, etc.);
Promoting the importance of cultural heritage protection through mass media, career guidance, and educational work with students and applicants;
Expanding international cooperation and partnerships in the field of scientific research and restoration projects;
Preparing academic and teaching staff, improving their qualifications, and encouraging participation in conferences, seminars, and trainings;
Involving faculty in research and development projects in collaboration with key employers, such as:
- Research and Design Institute “Kyrgyzrestavratsiya”
- Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic
- State Agency for Architecture and Construction under the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic (Gosstroy)
- Bishkek Chief Architect’s Office (Bishkekglavarkhitektura)

History of the Department

The Department of Architectural Renovation was established in 1998 and has since been one of the core departments of KSUCTA. In 2022, it became part of the Institute of Architecture and Design (IAD) of KSTU.
Until 2017, it trained architect-restorers (specialists), and since 2013, it has implemented a two-level program (Bachelor’s and Master’s) in “Restoration and Reconstruction of Architectural Heritage.”
Since 2021, PhD programs have been introduced.

In 2018, the Master’s program “Architectural Renovation” received a diploma from the EdNet Agency for Quality Assurance in Education as “The Best Practice-Integrated Educational Program.”
The department’s research topics are closely linked with the Research and Design Institute “Kyrgyzrestavratsiya,” which hosts a branch of the department. Students conduct classes and internships in its workshops, utilizing laboratory facilities and archival materials on historical and cultural monuments — essential resources for comprehensive training.

Distinguished Figures and Achievements

A significant contribution to the formation and development of the AR program was made by Professor, Doctor of Architecture Dzhumamedel Dzhumabaevich Imankulov, who headed the department from 1998 to 2018.
The department has also benefited from the expertise of leading restoration professionals in Kyrgyzstan, including:

Architect and architectural historian Svetlana Sergeevna Merkulova,
Chemist-restorer Nadezhda Aleksandrovna Sitnikova,
Art historian Anna Aleksandrovna Voronina, and others.

Over the past five years, students of the institute have participated in numerous competitions, winning awards and diplomas — many of them as first-place winners.
Graduates have become laureates of international competitions and received recognition in international reviews of diploma works from national architectural schools across the CIS and abroad — including Italy, China, Spain, Turkey, France, and the UAE.

Awards and Recognition

The department highlights notable achievements, including:

1st place in the 13th International Competition “Saint-Gobain Multi-Comfort House Design” (2017);
Diplomas received at the 5th All-Russian Festival “Drivers of Modern City Development” (2020);
Faculty members awarded by the Union of Architects of Kyrgyzstan for outstanding architectural restoration projects;
Dr. D.D. Imankulov awarded Certificates and Diplomas by MASA (Moscow);
N. Musakeev received the Chingiz Aitmatov State Youth Prize;
The book by Prof. D.D. Imankulov, “Architecture of Turkestan in the Karakhanid Era,” won the Grand Prix at the 2nd Baku International Architectural Competition (2015) in the category “Best Printed Publication in Architecture.”