Challenges Faced by Architecture Faculties in Construction Universities of the Far East of the RSFSR (1985–1991)

This article examines the challenges involved in the establishment and functioning of architecture faculties within construction universities in the Far East of the RSFSR during the period from 1985 to 1991. Based on an analysis of governmental programs from the era of perestroika, as well as an evaluation of the situation regarding construction development and personnel policies in the region, the author interprets the relevance of introducing the “Architecture” specialty into the educational curricula of construction universities in the Far East. By 1985, practically all major higher educational institutions in Khabarovsk Krai and Primorskii Krai had faculties dedicated to preparing qualified specialists for the construction sector, especially at the Far East Polytechnical Institute (FEPI) and the Khabarovsk Polytechnical Institute (KPI). However, issues regarding personnel in the field of architecture persisted. The political transition towards perestroika exacerbated these challenges, putting the functioning of the architectural specialty at risk. Up until 1990, the optimization of construction education occurred, which included the consolidation of educational programs and a reduction in the number of students accepted into these programs. Subsequent political and economic changes, reflecting the new realities in the country’s development, also resulted in ambiguous transformations within the educational structure aimed at training construction professionals. This article provides insights into how these dynamics impacted the education of architects and the effectiveness of architectural training during a time of significant societal change.