Abstract: The article discusses atrium spaces in the university environment. The subject of the study is the architectural and design organization of informal learning spaces (open atriums). The relevance of the research is determined by the importance of the practical implementation of the ideas and principles of using atrium spaces in the design of the learning environment, including when developing a detailed plan for the creation of an intercollegiate campus on the basis of the Pacific National University (PNU) in the city of Khabarovsk. Campus concepts involve a large number of open educational spaces and transformable classrooms. Particular attention is paid to the study of students' preferences in determining the key characteristics of spaces for informal learning that determine their use. The novelty of the research may be the identification of design features of informal learning spaces (open atriums) and consideration of techniques for shaping environmental objects of this type from general design principles to the development of subject content. The case study was conducted at the Department of Architectural Environment Design of Pacific National University. Mixed research methods were used, including observation, visual analysis, questionnaires and interviews, as well as testing of theoretical conclusions in diploma and course projects of students of PNU. The main results of the work are the basis for further research and can be used to develop future strategies for designing informal learning spaces.

Abstract: The article analyzes and evaluates the adjacent spaces in residential areas. A survey of about a hundred yards of Far Eastern cities (Khabarovsk, Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk) was conducted. Using the methods of full-scale survey and comparative analysis, positive and negative characteristics are determined in terms of aesthetics, functions and convenience for residents, the conditions of visual comfort on the selected site are revealed. The study is carried out from the point of view of architectural composition and functional organization. The study includes an analytical part, which presents the characteristics of house spaces and a practical one, which contains recommendations for improving the aesthetic qualities of the courtyard environment. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time such an analysis is carried out in the process of architectural design training in order to understand the special importance of aesthetic comfort in an urban residential environment. The relevance of the research is determined by the need to introduce theoretical research into design practice for further development of the courtyard of an apartment building: from reasonable functional organization and simple physical comfort - to aesthetic comfort, to artistic expressiveness of space and a unique sense of place identity. The study was conducted by the Institute of Architecture and Design of Pacific State University as part of the training courses "Environmental factors in Design" and "Aesthetics of Architecture and Design".

Abstract: The subject of this research is application of the principles and techniques of biofriendly design in various environmental situations – open urban and interior spaces. The relevance of this research is defined by the need for new paradigms and conceptual solutions in order to change the relationship between urbanized environment and nature. Biofriendly design is of particularly demand in the conditions of such global challenges to modern society as the 2020 pandemic, as it opens additional opportunities for sustainable development. The research methodology is based on the unity of theory and practice. The theoretical part of the work consists in consideration of the current state of the question, analysis of the key principles of biofriendly urbanism and techniques of biofriendly design. The practical part reviews the examples of projects of the open and interior spaces, in which biofriendliness is one of the fundamental principles of arranging the environment, and simultaneously, the space organization techniques. The empirical framework is comprised of such methods as observation and analysis of the results of creative works that allow assessing  the effectiveness of forms and methods of the development of creative component of professional activity. The research is conducted at the premises of the department of Design of Architectural Environment of the Pacific National University within the framework of educational course “Environmental Factors in Design” and is of applied nature. The novelty of this work consists in implementation of the obtained results in practical architectural and design engineering of environmental objects.

Abstract: The subject of this research is the problem of preservation of historical heritage aggravated to rapid urbanization, which is characteristic to many developing cities. Special attention is given to the existing trends of total destruction of historical and cultural monuments in the conditions of dense urban fabric. The relevance is defined by the dynamically increasing process of degradation, and at times, full destruction of environmental objects that are listed as state protected. The theoretical framework of this research is comprised of the system-environmental approach, which views the urban environment surrounding the landmarked object as a system that is in direct interaction with it. The novelty consists in practical application of theoretical provisions of the system-environmental approach to the specific conditions of Khabarovsk. Having explored over two dozen of landmarked buildings of the city, the authors reveal the contradiction between legislation intended for legal regulation of the protection and use of architectural heritage and the actual city practice of exploitation of historical buildings by the new owners of the landmarks. The study was conducted in cooperation and on behalf of Khabarovsk Regional Center for the Protection of Historical and Cultural Monuments. The results are used in practical activity of the center and in development of its strategic goals.