Nizhny Novgorod architects were invited to rethink the appearance of communication towers.

      On May 25, 2026, at 11:30, MTS announced the launch of a project to update the external appearance of communication facilities in the urban environment. The company, together with the architectural club A-House, is holding an open competition "Changing the Familiar" as part of the A-Fest festival.

      Participants are invited to develop a new design for the bases of base stations that will allow for their integration into the architectural appearance of the city in a new way. The concept of the winner is planned to be implemented in 2027 in the capital, and then scaled to other cities while adhering to technical requirements and approval procedures.

      Today, base stations are an integral part of urban infrastructure—they ensure the operation of communication, transport, and digital services. However, such facilities do not always take into account the characteristics of the surrounding buildings. The initiative aims to find a solution that combines technological advancement, the potential for 5G network development, and the integration of such facilities into the urban landscape.

      Applications for participation are accepted until June 14, 2026, inclusive. The prize fund for the competition amounts to 3 million rubles. Russian and foreign architectural firms are invited to participate. Projects will be evaluated by a jury that will include representatives from the architectural community, the construction industry in Moscow, and experts from the company.

      Works will be considered based on a number of criteria, including compliance with the architectural brief and equipment placement requirements, functionality, novelty, expressiveness, feasibility, and economic efficiency. The results will be announced in the fall of 2026 at an exhibition-presentation.

      Andrey Belov, the director of MTS in the Nizhny Novgorod region, noted that the competition opens up opportunities for creating a more harmonious urban environment. According to him, the company aims for communication facilities to be perceived not only as technical structures but also as part of the visual code of the city, capable of emphasizing its individuality.

      Darya Belyakova, the founder of the A-House platform, emphasized that modern architecture works not only with space but also with the perception of the urban environment. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.