Today the results of the first international workshop on space architecture in Russia - ‘Space Auditor: Orbit Check’ - have been summarised. Organised as part of preparations for the International Congress of Young Architects and Designers (ICM ARCH 2025), it brought together more than 150 participants from 12 countries - from students to acknowledged experts of the global space industry. The results exceeded expectations: the projects presented by the teams can already become the basis for real space missions.
Why is this a breakthrough?
MCM ARCH proved that young talents are capable of solving problems that leading corporations are working on. Participants designed modules for orbital stations, lunar bases and Martian colonies, taking into account not only engineering requirements, but also crew psychology, resource conservation and even cultural codes. For example, the team from the I. Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University, which won first place, created the Yula module, a compact storage unit for samples inspired by a Russian traditional toy. The project combines the functionality of refrigeration units with geometric symbolism, which, according to the authors' idea, reduces stress among astronauts through a visual connection with the Earth.
International Collaboration and Innovation
Brazil's Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2nd place) presented the Barnacle module with an exoskeleton shell imitating the structure of a sea shell. This solution provides protection from radiation and micrometeorites. The third place was shared by students of the Moscow Aviation Institute (the team includes participants from Malaysia) and MIIGAiK: the former developed multilayer screen-vacuum insulation for cabins, and the latter proposed to use Cyanobacteriota algae to produce oxygen and purify water.
Not just theory: the technology is already here
The participants' projects underwent stress tests, which were close to real conditions: modelling meteorite attacks, failures of life support systems and even conflicts within the crew. For example, a team from Priazovsky State Technical University (PSTU) created a module with a hydroponic greenhouse capable of providing the crew with fresh vegetables, and schoolchildren from the initiative project ‘I am a builder of the future!’ (supported by the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation). (supported by the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation), who took part in the workshop out of competition, surprised the jury with a sanitary facility with a closed-loop water regeneration system.
Experts on the future of space architecture
The workshop became a platform for dialogue between generations. Speakers from RSC Energia, Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other representatives of the space industry shared their experience, while ISS cosmonauts personally greeted the participants from orbit.
ICM ARCH: a launching pad for talents
The organisers did not just gather bright participants - they created a support system. The best projects will be presented at the December ICM ARCH 2025 congress. ‘We give young architects a chance to make history. Their ideas are not fantasy, but blueprints of tomorrow,’ stressed Maria Yashenkova, head of the ICM ARCH organising committee.
What's next?
Already in December 2025, Moscow will host the main event of the year - the International Congress of Young Architects and Designers ICM ARCH 2025, where leading specialists of the space industry, architects and young innovators will meet. Meanwhile, we congratulate the winners and look forward to new star projects!
Who knows, maybe in a few years ‘Yula’ from the Kyrgyz team or Brazilian ‘Barnacle’ will become the first modules on the Moon? Stay tuned - space begins here and now!
Photo provided by MSTU-MASI Press Service (https://masi.ru/)
Why is this a breakthrough?
MCM ARCH proved that young talents are capable of solving problems that leading corporations are working on. Participants designed modules for orbital stations, lunar bases and Martian colonies, taking into account not only engineering requirements, but also crew psychology, resource conservation and even cultural codes. For example, the team from the I. Razzakov Kyrgyz State Technical University, which won first place, created the Yula module, a compact storage unit for samples inspired by a Russian traditional toy. The project combines the functionality of refrigeration units with geometric symbolism, which, according to the authors' idea, reduces stress among astronauts through a visual connection with the Earth.
International Collaboration and Innovation
Brazil's Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais (2nd place) presented the Barnacle module with an exoskeleton shell imitating the structure of a sea shell. This solution provides protection from radiation and micrometeorites. The third place was shared by students of the Moscow Aviation Institute (the team includes participants from Malaysia) and MIIGAiK: the former developed multilayer screen-vacuum insulation for cabins, and the latter proposed to use Cyanobacteriota algae to produce oxygen and purify water.
Not just theory: the technology is already here
The participants' projects underwent stress tests, which were close to real conditions: modelling meteorite attacks, failures of life support systems and even conflicts within the crew. For example, a team from Priazovsky State Technical University (PSTU) created a module with a hydroponic greenhouse capable of providing the crew with fresh vegetables, and schoolchildren from the initiative project ‘I am a builder of the future!’ (supported by the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation). (supported by the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation), who took part in the workshop out of competition, surprised the jury with a sanitary facility with a closed-loop water regeneration system.
Experts on the future of space architecture
The workshop became a platform for dialogue between generations. Speakers from RSC Energia, Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, Institute of Medical and Biological Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences and other representatives of the space industry shared their experience, while ISS cosmonauts personally greeted the participants from orbit.
ICM ARCH: a launching pad for talents
The organisers did not just gather bright participants - they created a support system. The best projects will be presented at the December ICM ARCH 2025 congress. ‘We give young architects a chance to make history. Their ideas are not fantasy, but blueprints of tomorrow,’ stressed Maria Yashenkova, head of the ICM ARCH organising committee.
What's next?
Already in December 2025, Moscow will host the main event of the year - the International Congress of Young Architects and Designers ICM ARCH 2025, where leading specialists of the space industry, architects and young innovators will meet. Meanwhile, we congratulate the winners and look forward to new star projects!
Who knows, maybe in a few years ‘Yula’ from the Kyrgyz team or Brazilian ‘Barnacle’ will become the first modules on the Moon? Stay tuned - space begins here and now!
Photo provided by MSTU-MASI Press Service (https://masi.ru/)