At the end of the series of interviews with the winners of Russia's first international workshop on space architecture ‘Space Auditor: Orbit Check’ we talked to the team from the Kyrgyz State Technical University named after Iskhak Razzakov, which took the first place.
The event was held as part of the International Congress of Young Architects and Designers (ICM ARCH 2025) at the Moscow Humanitarian and Technological University - MASI. Participants from 12 countries presented projects for the exploration of extraterrestrial space, but it was the Kyrgyz team's Yula module that won over the jury with its combination of functionality and cultural code. The guys shared their impressions in a short video, and team captain Karina Omurova gave a detailed account of the path to victory.
- How were cultural codes reflected in your project?
- In today's architectural context, where globalisation erases borders, it becomes especially important to preserve national values. Yula's form is not just a choice, but a conscious architectural gesture. It is the architecture of a heavenly home, where, despite millions of kilometres, one still feels a connection with the Motherland.
Yula is a symbol of childhood, a stable image symbolising balance and movement, two essential components of life in the cosmos. It is also a reference to Russian culture, a folk toy associated with home, childhood and spinning as a metaphor for the planet and the cosmos. In addition, the spiral shape of the design refers to the double helix of DNA, a symbol of life, development and science.
To utilise the space effectively, we used a radial layout. The shape of ‘Yula’ helped to organisethe modules around a central axis. This is easy to navigate, saves space and creates a sense of order.
- What was the most difficult part? What challenges did you face?
- The most challenging was the lack of knowledge of space technology. And at the end, the unexpected problem was the lack of time. But it gave us a great experience: we learnt how to make difficult decisions. Thanks to harmonious teamwork, we were able to achieve success.
- How did the international environment influence your project?
- Working in an international team is a very responsible moment. Watching the other participants, we were surprised and impressed by their talent in solving problems. This experience was incredibly valuable and inspired us to develop and strive for new goals.
- What was most memorable?
- After the event we were very satisfied. I would especially like to mention the representative of MKM ARCH Eleonora Galimova, who was a guide between us and the organisers, as we went through everything in an online format. We liked the professional approach.
- Is it realistic to realise the project in the coming years? Who would you like to co-operate with?
- Yes, we believe that our project can be realised as a pilot module or part of an existing system. Opportunities are growing every year. We are ready to cooperate with any companies and organisations.
- What does this victory mean to you?
- We invested all our efforts, but the victory was not the main thing. What was more important was participation, studying space architecture and contributing to the common cause. However, the victory gave incentive and motivation for future competitions.
- What plans does the team have?
- We will continue to develop in this field. We are sure that this experience will become a springboard for new projects.
We congratulate the team of KSTU named after I. Razzakov with the deserved victory and wish to realise ‘Yula’ in orbit!
The event was held as part of the International Congress of Young Architects and Designers (ICM ARCH 2025) at the Moscow Humanitarian and Technological University - MASI. Participants from 12 countries presented projects for the exploration of extraterrestrial space, but it was the Kyrgyz team's Yula module that won over the jury with its combination of functionality and cultural code. The guys shared their impressions in a short video, and team captain Karina Omurova gave a detailed account of the path to victory.
- How were cultural codes reflected in your project?
- In today's architectural context, where globalisation erases borders, it becomes especially important to preserve national values. Yula's form is not just a choice, but a conscious architectural gesture. It is the architecture of a heavenly home, where, despite millions of kilometres, one still feels a connection with the Motherland.
Yula is a symbol of childhood, a stable image symbolising balance and movement, two essential components of life in the cosmos. It is also a reference to Russian culture, a folk toy associated with home, childhood and spinning as a metaphor for the planet and the cosmos. In addition, the spiral shape of the design refers to the double helix of DNA, a symbol of life, development and science.
To utilise the space effectively, we used a radial layout. The shape of ‘Yula’ helped to organisethe modules around a central axis. This is easy to navigate, saves space and creates a sense of order.
- What was the most difficult part? What challenges did you face?
- The most challenging was the lack of knowledge of space technology. And at the end, the unexpected problem was the lack of time. But it gave us a great experience: we learnt how to make difficult decisions. Thanks to harmonious teamwork, we were able to achieve success.
- How did the international environment influence your project?
- Working in an international team is a very responsible moment. Watching the other participants, we were surprised and impressed by their talent in solving problems. This experience was incredibly valuable and inspired us to develop and strive for new goals.
- What was most memorable?
- After the event we were very satisfied. I would especially like to mention the representative of MKM ARCH Eleonora Galimova, who was a guide between us and the organisers, as we went through everything in an online format. We liked the professional approach.
- Is it realistic to realise the project in the coming years? Who would you like to co-operate with?
- Yes, we believe that our project can be realised as a pilot module or part of an existing system. Opportunities are growing every year. We are ready to cooperate with any companies and organisations.
- What does this victory mean to you?
- We invested all our efforts, but the victory was not the main thing. What was more important was participation, studying space architecture and contributing to the common cause. However, the victory gave incentive and motivation for future competitions.
- What plans does the team have?
- We will continue to develop in this field. We are sure that this experience will become a springboard for new projects.
We congratulate the team of KSTU named after I. Razzakov with the deserved victory and wish to realise ‘Yula’ in orbit!