akvk+partners co-founder Andrey Kalinin took part in the "Architecture of the Urban Block" session, exploring the evolution of the urban environment — from the historic city to contemporary polycentric models of development.
The discussion focused on how to shape the urban block as an integral part of the city: establishing a coherent street frontage, structuring movement flows, balancing functions, and creating an environment that supports diverse patterns of use.

The research project Schools: Bringing New Life by akvk+partners has been featured in Project Russia’s 100 Best Projects and Realizations 2024−2026 almanac and received the Best Project of Russia 2024−2026 diploma in the Research category.

Andrey Kalinin explored how different modes of movement shape the way Moscow is perceived, and why some urban spaces become meaningful while others remain unnoticed. The discussion focused on the relationship between architecture, emotion, personal memory, and the changing urban environment.

Two projects — Hillside Educational Hub (Cascade School) and Stepping Stones (Steps Kindergarten) — received top awards in the Educational Campus Design category, highlighting akvk+partners' approach to educational architecture as an integrated spatial system shaped by program, landscape, and context.

The First Line and Soft Urbanism projects were awarded in the Urban Design & Master Planning category, demonstrating two distinct approaches to urban development — the transformation of post-industrial and residential territories, and the integration of new development into an existing low-rise and natural context.

Andrey Kalinin, head of akvk+partners, spoke at the ММСО 2026 session "The Future of the Large School: Designing a Universal Space," where he presented approaches to designing multifunctional school environments and integrating shared spatial frameworks within educational buildings.

At the Our School 2025 Forum, Andrey Kalinin, the Head of akvk+partners, presented an expert approach to design within the framework of CTD projects. The focus is on finding effective solutions for non-standard sites and integrating educational facilities into large-scale urban planning concepts.

An updated study on the concept of the school as a community center has been published. By tracing 135 years of the evolution of the relationship between architecture and pedagogy, we demonstrate that the concept of the school as a community center is more relevant today than ever before.

akvk+partners project, "Soft Urbanism," was named a finalist for the Architecton 2025 Award in the Best Residential Function Project category.

A reflection on how an architect can preserve a city’s identity without turning a project into decoration.

How to effectively combine a school, a kindergarten, and a community center in a single building, and what challenges does an architect face when designing such facilities.

akvk+partners' urban development concept, "Soft Urbanism," received high praise from the expert jury at the Golden Section 2025 Festival.

Vladislava Kalinina, the head of akvk+partners, moderated an expert session on the development of educational infrastructure.

This book explores the evolution of the school from a closed educational institution to a multifunctional social hub. We have analyzed how socio-economic trends and new pedagogical ideas are changing the architecture of education, turning it into an "anchor" for territorial development.

akvk+partners project, "Reconstruction of the Gymnasium," was included in the almanac and received an honorary diploma 100 Best Projects in Russia for 2020−2023.

Our installation is a symbol of continuity, where History, Education, and Architecture shape new generations of leaders who can influence the global agenda by integrating Russia’s intellectual contributions into global development.

At the Build School 2020 Forum, Vladislava Kalinina, the Head of akvk+partners, presented the concept of an innovative modular kindergarten.

The school reconstruction project after the tragedy was awarded the Grand Prix at the Build School Festival.

They shared their methodology for working with communities that have experienced profound trauma. They also shared their reflections on the architect’s role in creating environments that help integrate memory into new life scenarios delicately.

Our sustainable development project was awarded a bronze diploma in the Urban Planning category.

Our Helsinki school project demonstrates the current global trend: the synergy of architecture and pedagogy. We have created an environment that stimulates children’s interest in learning, where the space becomes a full-fledged participant in the educational process.