akvk+partners are Invited Experts at the Architects.rf Conference

At the Architects.rf anniversary conference, akvk+partners acted as invited experts and shared their unique experience of working with a complex social context, using the reconstruction of Gymnasium No. 175 in Kazan as an example. We discussed how we applied the method of participatory design when working with three groups of users in different psychological states: families of the deceased, witnesses of the events, and those who will come to the school for the first time.

The key challenge was to find a balance between preserving memory and creating a life-affirming environment. We conducted extensive consultations to address the pain and concerns of each group:

For the families of the victims, we created a Garden of Remembrance where plants were chosen and planted by the families themselves.
To preserve the memory, the classroom where the tragedy occurred was transformed into a space of silence with nine symbolic lamps.
To address the trauma, we completely redesigned the logistics, entrances, and visual code of the typical building.

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This project has proven that architectural scenarios and changes to the spatial code can to reduce anxiety and restore a sense of security to the community. We would like to thank the Architects.rf team for their invitation and for giving us the opportunity to share our experience in working with such challenges.

Learn more about the project