The Russian Society of Civil Engineers – our host society for the 39^th Meeting

The Association of Construction Engineers of Russia (ROIS) was formed in January 1993, under the initiative of a group of leading engineers, architects, scientists, heads of organisations and enterprises.   Its President is Mr. Oleg Lobov.  ROIS considers that its activities are based on the best traditions of the Russian Society of Civil Engineers which was formed in 1866. 

ROIS is an independent public association with individual membership.  Membership includes well-known and respected engineers, scientists, technical officers, heads of state control bodies and large public organisations – not only in capital construction but in allied industries and associated market infrastructure.  Over the period of its existence ROIS members have developed over 30 normative and legislative drafts in the sphere of investment and building.  ROIS representatives are included in the expert commission of the State Duma. 

39th Meeting In Moscow

The Spring 2004 ECCE meeting was hosted by the Russian Society of Civil Engineers in two separate locations.  The first day’s meeting was held in central Moscow whilst the second day’s meeting took place in the town of Chekhov in the Moscow region, which is situated between the Volga and Oka rivers in the central part of the East European plain.  The venue for the second day’s meeting was the Olympic Stadium at Chekhov, some miles from the capital.  It is shown on the front page of this Newsletter. 

During the Moscow meeting members were given briefings on the challenges facing the development of Russia’s capital and the surrounding region, from the perspective of housing, transport and environmental considerations.  The opportunity was also taken to view the new development of a commercial business district which is beginning to take shape.  This is the Moskva-City complex near the White House on Kranospresenskaya Naerezhnaya.  The construction site of Moscow’s first international business centre covers some 100 hectares.  Total value has been estimated at around US Dollars 8 billion.  The main goal is to provide an alternative business centre in Moscow to relieve the congested historic centre.  ECCE members toured the 217m large-scale Bagration footbridge which opened in September 1997 and provides a shopping and leisure complex .   It is expected that the adjacent Moskva-City complex[1]  will only be completed after 2010.  The day’s business concluded with a formal dinner hosted in the administrative heart of Moscow where the meal was accompanied by highly talented singers and balalakai players from the Bolshoi.

The following day provided a contrast of scenery as the hustle and bustle of the capital’s crowded city streets were left behind and the coaches bearing members and guests sped towards the country, flanked on the suburban roads by a variety of vehicles heading for dachas.  Muscovite apartment dwellers, their pets, pot-plants and paraphernalia were all set to benefit from a weekend break in the countryside. 

Chekhov is a medium-sized settlement some 65 kilometres from Moscow.  The meeting of ECCE was held in the Olympic Complex in Chekhov which was built because of the considerable success of the handball team – the Chekhov bears – which became Russian champions in 2004.  Chekhov was also home to over 30 members of the Russian Olympic team.  Members were welcomed by the Governor of the Moscow Region, Mr. Evgeni Seriogin.  Mr Seriogin is one of 75 regional governors in Russia, 70% of whom are civil engineers, bearing witness to the importance placed on construction in the development of Russia’s national economy.

Following conclusion of the meetings formal business, members were given a guided tour of the stadium, whose main hall can be easily converted to allow hosting of popular concerts.

Following a very enjoyable luncheon in the stadium’s restaurant area, a cultural contrast was provided for the afternoon when members viewed restoration of a nearby Monastery.  One of the monks explained the history and the work in progress to restore the buildings.  During the visit members could also see artists at work renewing and restoring the mural art of the monastery chapel.  The subsequent visit to a nearby Holy Spring provided the opportunity to test the recuperative powers of the waters: none of the members, however, opted to experience the separate facility to bathe in the icy springs.  Fully restored from the visit, a lightning visit was made to a major skating rink in the vicinity which is now nearing completion and marks an initiative by President Putin to increase sports facilities with a view to improving public health and fitness.  The closing dinner was held beneath the Stadium.  Entertainment was provided by local singers and musicians with an enthusiastic accompaniment provided by a wide range of civil engineers.   An unexpected stop to admire the sun setting on the plain as we returned to Moscow marked the informal end to a busy and enjoyable trip to experience life outside Russia’s largest conurbation. 

--------------------------------

During the Moscow meeting members also enjoyed two presentations from ECCE members which are part of a ‘bench-marking’ activity to motivate exchange and stimulate member organisation activities on areas of concern to national members.  The topics selected for our Moscow meeting were: encouraging young people into the profession and making government aware of our concerns.  Jyrki Keinaenen of RIL in Finland gave a presentation on “Finland’s actions to encourage young people into civil engineering” whilst Richard Coackley of the U.K.’s ICE  gave a presentation on the U.K.’s “State of the Nation” report, a user-friendly view that enables politicians and decision-makers to understand which are the major concerns of the sector.

(To view these presentations see: “ECCE’s INSTIL initiative” ).