arkki

Arkki is an international network of programs that teach children and young people about architecture, space, and the built environment. The initiative aims to develop spatial thinking, creativity, collaboration, and critical understanding of sustainability through hands-on projects, drawings, models, and digital tools. Programs are delivered through partner centers in schools, cultural institutions, and dedicated Arkki centers and are led by architects, designers, and educators in collaboration with trained teachers.

Originating in Helsinki, Finland, Arkki was established in the late 1990s as a program to introduce younger audiences to architecture. Since then, it has expanded to several countries and regions, forming a network that shares curricula, teacher training, and project-based activities. Each center tailors activities to local contexts and age ranges, typically serving children and youth from about 6 to 18 years old. Programs can take the form of short workshops, weekend courses, or longer ongoing offerings, often culminating in exhibitions or presentations of student work.

The philosophy emphasizes inclusive participation, experiential learning, and respect for diverse perspectives on space and urban life. Arkki also provides teacher professional development and publishes educational materials to support architecture education outside formal curricula. The network collaborates with professional architects, universities, and cultural institutions to connect young learners with real-world design processes, and commonly features student exhibitions or community projects.