The Institute of Architecture and Construction of South Ural State University has held a grand opening of a new teaching and research laboratory at the Department of Town Planning, Engineering Networks and Systems. The project was implemented jointly with OOO "VEZA" company, Russia's largest manufacturer of climate control equipment.
University representatives, partner company executives, faculty, and students participated in the opening ceremony.
The SUSU Rector Alexander Wagner noted that collaboration with industrial partners allows our university to create a modern educational environment:
"Today, employer requirements are constantly changing, and the practical skills and experience students gain during their studies are becoming increasingly important. The new laboratory will significantly enhance practical training, familiarize students with the specifics of engineering systems and equipment operation, and equip them with the competencies needed for their future professional careers."
The new laboratory will become a modern training platform for future engineers and specialists in ventilation systems. The laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art ventilation equipment, control systems, and instrumentation, allowing students to gain practical skills in working with engineering systems while still in training.
"The laboratory's technical equipment is based on a modern supply-and-exhaust unit with the functions of air heating, cooling, recuperation, and recirculation, and fully equipped with an integrated automation system. Furthermore, the laboratory is fitted with various air distribution devices of different shapes and configurations. This will allow us to simulate various air flow distribution scenarios, and students can perform practical measurements of air velocity, temperature, flow direction, and other parameters," noted Aleksandr Savelyev, Head of the Chelyabinsk branch of "VEZA" company.
According to Aleksandr Kiianets, Director of the Institute of Architecture and Construction, opening of the new laboratory will be an important step in the development of the Institute's educational and scientific infrastructure:
"Repairs and installation of modern equipment have been carried out here throughout the year. Starting from the beginning of the new academic year, the laboratory will be fully integrated into the educational process, and our students will be able to take practical training here. Today, this is one of the most in-demand and promising areas in engineering. My congratulations to the students and faculty on the opening of this new, modern laboratory, which will provide additional opportunities for learning, research, and professional growth."
Graduating students were the first to assess the laboratory's capabilities.
"It is wonderful that now our department has such a modern laboratory where we can work with real engineering equipment and better understand the processes we discuss in class. It is especially gratifying that junior students will now have the opportunity to experience their specialty in practice from the very beginning of their studies – this will help them quickly understand the profession and gain truly useful experience," shared Anastasiia Katyrova, fourth-year student at the Department of Town Planning, Engineering Networks and Systems.
Opening of the new laboratory is yet another example of successful collaboration between our university and industrial partners aimed at developing engineering education and training highly qualified specialists in the construction industry.