From toy to urban design: workshop participants at the National Centre RUSSIA learnt to turn childhood memories into architectural objects

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The workshop "Toy for the City" took place on July 4 at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the educational programme of the exposition "The Birth of Scale." Together with representatives of the student centre ArchiLAB of the Moscow State University of Geodesy and Cartography (MIIGAiK), participants explored how a favourite childhood toy — the rocking horse — might look if placed in an urban environment.

The practical session was led by third-year MIIGAiK architecture students Alexandra Pudokhina, Yulia Kholova, and Yekaterina Yegunova, under the guidance of architect Yelena Ganushkina, a member of the Union of Moscow Architects, associate professor at the Department of Urban Planning at MIIGAiK and the Department of Residential Buildings at MARCHI.

Participants of the workshop learned to work with colour, explored the concept of contrast in colour and form, and considered how a small architectural form can be integrated into an urban landscape. 

"In addition, such sessions help develop fine motor skills and imaginative thinking, as participants need to plan in advance what will appear on paper — what colour and shape it will be — and then combine all elements correctly, making sure to emphasise the key idea. And of course, our workshop helps each child express their individuality," said lead workshop instructor Yekaterina Yegunova.

 The session in the architectural class of "The Birth of Scale" exposition captured the imagination of both children and their parents, becoming a source of creative inspiration and new knowledge for all. At the end of the workshop, each participant took home a unique, self-made art object, with a reimagined childhood toy at its heart.

"My son Sasha and I really enjoyed the workshop. It’s an amazing feeling when a flat sheet of paper suddenly gains meaning, volume and depth — and you are the author of this magical transformation. It truly inspires creative thinking in both children and adults. For example, my horse turned out to be not just a horse, but more of a Trojan horse," shared Irina from Moscow, a regular participant of workshops at the National Centre RUSSIA. 

The architectural exposition "The Birth of Scale" at the National Centre RUSSIA highlights the grandeur of Russia through its architectural legacy. The display includes items from the centre’s own collection, as well as pieces provided by museums and private collectors across the country. Among them are tools used by architects in different historical periods, architectural drawings and models of buildings — both those that have been constructed and those that remain visionary projects. A special section is dedicated to the future of Russian architecture, showcasing the work of children's creative studios, student workshops and young architects.

Watch the educational lecture series by the National Centre RUSSIA featuring art historian Yelizaveta Likhacheva and learn more about Russian architecture.

Partners of "The Birth of Scale" exposition include DOM.RF, the Ministry of Construction of Russia, Gazprom, the State Research Museum of Architecture named after A.V. Shchusev, the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art, the Yakov Chernikhov Architectural Charity Foundation, and the HSE Art and Design School.

You can join a guided tour of "The Birth of Scale" and attend workshops in the "Children’s Architectural Studios" educational programme free of charge by registering in advance at russia.ru, the official website of the National Centre RUSSIA. Up-to-date information about upcoming workshops is available in the "Events" section.