architectural thinking school

One-on-One Contemporary Architecture Course with Alexander Novikov

for students 9-15 years old

This personalized online program introduces children to the world of contemporary architecture, developing spatial thinking, design skills, and problem-solving abilities. The course not only helps them take the first steps toward building a portfolio for admission to creative universities -- it also cultivates a mindset that combines creativity, logic, and critical thinking, essential in any field.
The course is taught by Alexander Novikov, architect, founder of the Architectural Thinking School, and curator of the Foreign Pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale 2024 and the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025.
For those who wish to continue and dive deeper into the subject after the 6 sessions, we will be happy to offer a longer-term format.

Alexander Novikov

Architect, founder, and head of the Architectural Thinking School for Children, where he also teaches. He received his M.Arch. degree from the Belarusian National Technical University in 2005 and a postgraduate degree from the Strelka Institute for Media, Architecture and Design in 2012. He has previously worked for Totan Kuzembaev Architecture Office, ADM Architects, ABD Architects, and is currently a partner at Karako Architectural Studio. He is also the author of HOUSEДОМДОМ: A Book of Children's Projects and Other Avant-Garde Architecture. He is the founder of Foreign Pavilion and projects curator for the Venice Art Biennale 2024 and Architecture Biennale 2025. He also creates lectures and educational videos on architecture for children and parents. In 2021, he was nominated for the Inspire Future Generations Award (Thornton Education Trust) as the Individual of the Year.

Programme

Trial Class + 6 Sessions (each 1.5 hours)

All classes are conducted individually via Zoom.
The programme is tailored to each student’s age, level, and interests.

TRIAL

Origin

Introduction to contemporary architecture, basics of architectural graphics, an overview of Le Corbusier’s ideas and other influential minds of modernity, along with their projects.

01

Сontemporary architecture

Introduction to the work of Frank Gehry. Sketching contemporary architectural objects.

02

Vernacular Architecture

Exploring traditional architecture and the work of Shigeru Ban. Sketching architectural objects.

03

Structures

Exploring natural structures. We dissect an apple, carrot, orange, and strawberry to understand their architecture.

04

Venice Architecture Biennale 2025

An introduction to the projects and concepts of the world’s most influential architectural exhibition.

05

Single-Family House / Concept Design

Initial sketching and concept development for an individual house project.

06

Single-Family House / Computer design

Developing the design project: floor plan, section, facade and final presentation. SketchUp modelling.

Knowledge and skills students will gain

Architectural design
Architectural drawing
Introduction to contemporary architecture
Study of vernacular architecture
Development of creative and spatial thinking
Introduction to the creative approaches of renowned architects
Exploration of the cutting-edge architectural projects and concepts
Ability to analyze information and formulate independent ideas and conclusions

Fees

All prices are for individual sessions. Only one-on-one learning with the course author.

TRIAL CLASS
A personalized introduction to architecture and creative thinking.

€65

1.5 hours (includes a 10-minute break)

COURSE
Deepen your skills in design, spatial thinking, and creative problem-solving.

€450

6 sessions, each 1.5 hours

TRIAL CLASS FOR TWO STUDENTS
Share the experience with a friend while receiving personal guidance.

€90