University campuses in Russia require updating educational methods, modernizing buildings and territories, improving the material and technical base. Transformations should take place in accordance with the latest trends in the design of educational spaces. The article proposes an integrated approach in the design of innovative educational spaces, guided by the basic principles: openness and connectedness; multifunctionality and transformability; harmony. This method was used in the design and implementation of the modernization project of the Center for Engineering Systems in the construction of Kazan State University of Architecture and Engineering. The successful launch and operation of the center confirms the relevance of the method used.

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Regarding the accelerated innovation in the 21st century, the article suggests modifying the spatial principles of Research Institutes as isolated institutions. The 21st century Research Institute should reflect the increasing levels of openness and security in modern information exchange methods. Thus, the Institute reveals invisible information processes in the physical urban environment, becoming the urban centre of innovation, a new workplace and leisure centre, as well as a catalyst for enhancing the city’s sustainability. The article analyses the historical paradigm of effective methods for introducing innovation to the urban environment, as well as modern socio-economic needs of innovative research institutes in the city. As a result, a unique organizational structure and functional programme of a new Research Institute are suggested. The Institute directly participates in enhancing the urban environment and forming a new lifestyle of the city dwellers. New spatial principles of such buildings are also proposed, updating the architectural typology of Research Institutes in the 21st century. Due to the increased interaction with the urban environment, the Research Institute and the city are mutually transformed. This contributes both to increasing the Institute’s efficiency and raising the city’s economic potential and life quality.