On March 5, the holiday issue of the magazine "All about the world of construction" (No. 1 (13), 2020) was published. Theme of the issue: "Women's view on the construction".
Structural solutions and engineering systems are often overshadowed by the architecture of a building, aren't they? But this is a difficult, painstaking work. The Metropolis company knows this firsthand: since its inception, the company has been designing technically complex facilities (sports facilities, multifunctional complexes, cultural facilities). On the eve of International Women's Day, we thought: if it is so difficult for designers to stand out in the field of civil engineering in general, then what is it like to be a female designer? The correspondent talked about this and many other things with the fair half of the Metropolis company.
Nonna Makiyan, Chief Project Engineer
"Successful realization of projects largely depends on professionalism, knowledge of regulatory documents and experience in performing tasks. But personal qualities of performers play no less important role, such as responsibility, a serious approach to solving problems, deep immersion in the essence of project, adherence to deadlines, communication skills and customer focus. All these qualities cannot be attributed to a certain gender: they are inherent in both men and women.
Therefore, the secret of success lies precisely in the attitude, in the desire to do their job in the best possible way. Of course, in the world of construction, in particular among developers, investors, and customers, the overwhelming majority of managers are men. Every day they make serious, responsible decisions, which in turn, along with men, are implemented by attentive, neat, diligent female professionals. The work of a chief project engineer, in addition to fulfilling its direct technical tasks, is constantly finding the balance between the wishes of the customer and the possibility of implementing the expected ideas through the use of a rational, optimal technical solution for a specific object. My many years of experience in design work helped me to gain the necessary experience, which now allows me to achieve optimal design solutions and interactions with the customer, already at the position of Chief Project Engineer, performing the full cycle of the project (from concept to putting the facility into operation)".
Olga Lyubartseva, Head of architectural and building sector
“I coordinate the work of production departments, analyze their workload, work on standards. What I liked and still like about my work is that, first of all, it is connected with creation. We have the opportunity to create new comfortable conditions, we can, in fact, even change the city. And, passing by, it is very pleasing to see the objects that are especially significant for the capital, to which we are directly related, such as the Luzhniki Stadium.
Metropolis designed the structural and engineering systems for such facilities as the Luzhniki Grand Sports Arena, the Rhythmic Gymnastics Palace of Irina Viner-Usmanova and the Water Sports Palace. And it's especially rewarding to hear positive feedback about our work from the people who have nothing to do with construction. When I was just starting my journey, it seemed to me that there were no obstacles. But for a woman it is indeed difficult in this industry. This is a man's profession, and will remain so for a long time. I, of course, like any woman, try to find a certain balance, combine both work and family. For me, for example, it was the case since childhood, because both of my parents are engineers, my grandfather also worked in construction. Therefore, it is completely normal for me if the discussion of any working moments continues at home. My husband also works here (in Metropolis), and the working day is, one might say, round-the-clock. Children are also slowly getting involved in the process, although they are still very young. Among my “children” at work, I can single out a project that I worked on before taking the position of a manager: it's the multifunctional complex “Savelovsky City”. It was very interesting to participate in it and now that it has already been implemented, it is nice to see it on the landscape of Moscow. In general, when working on projects, it is important to remember the overall goal. There is a parable about the construction of Chartres Cathedral: many workers were involved in its making, each of them carried a stone. A passing sage became interested in what was happening and asked: "What are you doing?" The workers answered: "I am carrying a stone," "I am earning a piece of bread." And yet there was one who answered: "We are building a temple." So, in our daily work, no matter how routine it may be, it is important to remember that we all "build a temple".
Svetlana Parkhomenko, Head of BIM technologies department
“I have been working in Metropolis since 2016, and 80% of the employees around me are men. Self-realization in such a team is possible only by doing what you love, finding a creative component in the work process. Patience, stress-resistance, the ability to convey information correctly and intelligibly - these are very important qualities that an employee of the BIM department must possess.
BIM is the process of creating and storing information about an object under construction, including all stages of the life cycle of a building: from the creation of complex shapes by an architect at the concept stage, coordination of all engineering systems, scheduling at the construction stage to obtaining all the necessary characteristics of failed equipment at the stage of operation. At the design stage, this technology allows you to reduce errors and increase the quality of projects being performed, to reach a new level of professional skill. At the moment, the use of BIM is necessary for participation in many projects. The use of BIM as a convenient and innovative tool for creating projects, as well as high qualification of engineers allows Metropolis to be competitive and occupy a leading place in the list of engineering companies in Russia, to take part in projects with Russian and foreign customers. In 2019, Metropolis received the BIM Leader status according to Autodesk. Participation in industry competitions and exhibitions, conferences and round tables allows you to share your successful experience, as well as learn about the interesting experience of your colleagues".
Elena Krieger, Deputy Head of power supply department
“Our department is engaged in power supply of multifunctional complexes, sports complexes, museums. The work is interesting - we receive architectural projects in which we see beautiful, sometimes very unusual architectural solutions. Our task is to revive the project, fill it with light and energy, make the building safe for people, and correctly build a power supply scheme. Many architects think outside the box, create architectural structures that amaze everyone with their extraordinary beauty, and sometimes forget that it is required to fill the building with engineering networks, as they are necessary for the comfortable stay of people.
Therefore, in this regard, we have to do magic - to lay engineering communications neatly and out of sight. Approaches to design that were used 20 years ago are very different now: a design specialist must be an experienced user of specialized computer design software, such as AutoCAD, REVIT and others. Therefore, in order to succeed as a designer, it does not matter whether you are a man or a woman, you must have an analytical mindset, the ability for mathematical calculations, be quite sociable, since you have to deal with other specialists working on the same projects. The urban cultural space of GES-2 is an exciting and challenging project for me. In this project even the usual things for us like cable trays are unusual, round. Architects with engineers are working out solutions - how to lay engineering communications so that it is neat, subtle and technically competent, while not violating design standards. The motto of our company is “We fill architecture with life”. And we want people, being in our facilities, to be amazed at how harmoniously the engineering solutions fit into the architecture of the building".
Olga Bornukova, Head of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems design group
How do I feel? I think that by choosing the right profession, a person lives a full life, doing what he or she loves and getting a decent income at the same time. I was lucky - I was not mistaken in this! Over the eight years of my work in the company, we have developed a good team. Now the dynamics of design is so fast that sometimes I have no time to sit down, and the working hours fly by. Not to say that it is uncomfortable, on the contrary, it is exciting. Much depends on my work, so it gives me strength.
A particularly significant project for me was the Rhythmic Gymnastics Palace of Irina Viner-Usmanova. Three years, from stage P to detailed design and commissioning of the facility, is an important project not only for the company, but also for Moscow as a whole. It is not without reason that last year it won the BISPO professional award as "The best project for construction and reconstruction of sports facilities", and this year it was among the finalists of the international MIPIM award. We will be able to find out the winners, by the way, after the International Women's Day, in Cannes. In addition to these undoubtedly interesting objects, I can single out for myself the reconstruction of the Bolshevik factory. In general, I hope for further career growth in the company, as I feel the potential and desire to share my knowledge and experience. I always have long-term plans and goals, and when you see the result of your decisions, it helps to achieve more. As a female engineer, you need to be very collected and organized. There should be a clear plan, because you are responsible not only for yourself. And I also believe that a woman at work should look good in order to bring joy to others, to inspire. A smile and goodwill will save any situation!"
Alla Seryogina, Marketing Director
“Being a woman in our company is wonderful, because you are surrounded by professional, intelligent and friendly colleagues. Most of them, of course, are men. In my work, I am impressed by the fact that, in a good sense, the "palaces of mind" of designers and design engineers give birth to construction projects that are really iconic for our days. One sometimes hears the opinion that profession of a designer is not creative. I strongly disagree with this statement.
In my colleagues, creativity manifests itself in engineering: it is this that helps to develop the most modern and technically complex design and engineering solutions. Whether it's the roof of the Bolshoi Sports Arena or the sweep of a ribbon on the roof of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Palace in Luzhniki. Let me tell you about the specifics of my work: in order to be engaged in marketing in the B2B segment in the construction industry, I need to talk about the role of designers all the time. After all, most often they talk about architects, developers, builders, but little is said about design engineers. Yes, the slogan of our company is “we fill architecture with life”. And indeed it is! Not a single modern building can be built without taking into account ensuring reliability, stability and durability, and competent elaboration of engineering systems allows a person to feel comfortable in this building. The work of design engineers every year becomes more and more science-intensive, software and design technologies are being improved, and these are good working tools, they make it possible to solve problems faster and smarter. But engineering thought is primary, it cannot be replaced by any technological methods. It's nice when women offer interesting solutions. And it often happens ... And, of course, it is not true that women who have achieved success in their careers have a masculine character. My fellow female designers are professional, friendly, beautiful and elegant. And men always give us great support. I congratulate all women on the holiday! I wish you happiness, health, vivid pleasant impressions, good mood! Love and tenderness!"
Read the full issue on the magazine's website "All about the world of construction".
