Architecture through the eyes of children

On the occasion of International Children’s Day, the architectural consulting company Archiquad organized an educational art workshop for 11 primary and middle school students from Tashkent Specialized Boarding School No. 102 for children with hearing impairments.

During the event, we introduced the students to the profession of an architect — why it is important, exciting, and what challenges architects solve. Through a presentation, we showcased some of the world’s most unusual houses and buildings to spark curiosity and present architecture from a new perspective. The goal of the meeting was to inspire interest in urban planning and architecture and to show children that everyone can become the creator of their own “house of the future.” We discussed with each child how they imagined their dream home, what made it unique, what it looked like, and what it resembled.

As a result, each child created two collages — a self-portrait and a representation of their own house. The workshop was led by multidisciplinary artist Kseniya Gorbacheva. It was especially fascinating to observe the children’s questions, their search for solutions, and their selection of shapes and textures throughout the creative process.

Photo: Archiquad Team

Kseniya Gorbacheva, an independent artist, shared her experience of working with children with special needs:

“I have been working with collage as an artistic technique for more than five years and have been running a collage club for the past three years. For me, collage is a way to develop unconventional thinking: it is the unexpected element that brings a work to life and makes the impossible possible.

Over the past few years, I have conducted more than 30 workshops for children at the Republican Children’s Library and various other venues. Creating together with children is always fun and inspiring, and as an artist, I learn a great deal from them as well.

I especially value children’s spontaneity, courage, energy, and openness. Every child is different — some are calm, others are energetic — but it is important to engage everyone. For many of them, collage is a completely new technique, as they are more familiar with drawing. I explain that pieces of paper are like paint: they can be used to experiment with any idea and bring even the boldest concepts to life.

At Boarding School No. 102, I felt a truly special atmosphere. The children are kind, open-hearted, and deeply cared for. Working with them was both joyful and inspiring.”

Photo: Archiquad Team

We asked ourselves: how can children with hearing impairments become architects and achieve their dreams? To answer this question, we explored the admission process and educational opportunities available to such students at specialized universities.

Yakuba Sharipov, Deputy Dean of Tashkent Architecture University, spoke about accessibility in higher education:

“There is no limit to the number of hearing-impaired students who can apply to our university. The admission requirements are the same as for all applicants — a two-stage creative examination and testing in three academic subjects. Sign language interpreters are provided at every stage, accompanying students during both classes and university events. Currently, we have three first-year students with hearing impairments, two second-year students, and one graduating student.”

Dono Akhadovna, an art teacher at Boarding School No. 102, knows well how to communicate with children, inspire their creativity, and speaks warmly about every student:

“Our children are special, but they are also incredibly talented. Each of them has a unique vision and limitless imagination. Many people assume that hearing-impaired children lack imagination, but every day I see proof of the opposite. We have many creative students who are genuinely interested in art in all its forms. They become deeply engaged in anything that captures their attention.

In the past, our graduates would continue their education at design colleges. Today, they have the opportunity to apply directly to architecture universities after finishing school. We already have graduates who successfully completed university studies and are now working in their profession, inspiring others through their example.”

Photo: Archiquad Team

Following the workshop, an exhibition will be organized to showcase all of the children’s works and demonstrate how our team of specialists connected modern architectural technologies with the children’s creative ideas. Using the houses imagined by the participants, architects and designers will create an entire “City of the Future” — a symbol of collaboration, inclusion, and a future in which architecture serves as a bridge between professional practice and children’s imagination.

Comment by Bahrom Khodjaev, CEO of Archiquad:

“For us, this project represents an important step toward social responsibility. We believe that architecture is not only about buildings, but also about people, their dreams, and their opportunities. Working with children with hearing impairments showed us how rich, bold, and inspiring their imagination can be. This experience may become the first step toward encouraging children to pursue careers in architecture and urban planning.

As an architectural company, our mission is to give shape to these dreams and demonstrate that they can become part of the city of the future. We strive to make architecture a tool for inclusion and inspiration, ensuring that every child feels their ideas are valuable and can be brought to life.

That is why we support initiatives like this and will continue creating projects that connect technology, creativity, and social impact.”

We would like to express our gratitude to the administration of Boarding School No. 102 for their support in organizing the event and to the National Agency for Social Protection for overseeing the guidelines and standards for working with children with special needs.