architectural thinking school

One-on-One Online Course in Architectural Thinking with the School Founders

for students 9-15 years old

This personalized online program introduces children to the world of architecture and creative thinking, developing their spatial awareness, design skills, and imaginative problem-solving. It's not only about preparing a portfolio for architecture and art schools -- it's about nurturing a mindset that combines creativity, logic, and critical thinking useful in many fields.
Classes are conducted by Alexander Novikov and Elena Karpilova, founders of the Architectural Thinking School, official participants of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025

Elena Karpilova

Art critic, jewelry designer, and curator. She is the founder and head of the Architectural Thinking School for Children, where she also teaches. She received her BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) degree from the Minsk State Art College named after A. Glebov and an MA (Master of Arts) from the Belarusian State University of Culture and Arts, specializing in Comparative Art. She is the founder of the Minsk Design Week. She is also a writer and content creator for ArtJewelryForum. She is a member of PIN (Contemporary Jewellery Association of Portugal) and AGC (Association of Contemporary Jewellery of Italy). She was a finalist for the AGC Maria Cristina Bergesio Award 2024 and participated in the Lisbon Jewelry Biennial 2024 as curator of the L’étrangère project. She is the founder of Foreign Pavilion and projects curator for the Venice Art Biennale 2024 and Architecture Biennale 2025. In 2021, she was nominated for the Inspire Future Generations Award (Thornton Education Trust) as the Individual of the Year.

Website
Instagram
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

Contemporary Art

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

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 1

Initial sketching and concept development for an individual house project.

06

Single-Family House / Concept Design 2

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

Knowledge and skills students will gain

Architectural design
Architectural graphics
Introduction to contemporary architecture
Introduction to contemporary art
Exploration of vernacular architecture
Development of spatial and imaginative thinking
Introduction to creative approaches of renowned architects
Exploration of cutting-edge architectural projects and concepts
Ability to analyse information and formulate independent ideas and conclusions

Fees

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

trial class

€45

1.5 hours (includes a 10-minute break)

Course

€270

6 sessions, each 1.5 hours

trial class for Two Students

€55

1.5 hours (includes a 10-minute break)

Course for Two Students

€420

6 sessions, each 1.5 hours

To book your individual trial class, please fill out the form