Anton Nadtochii, founder and principal architect of ATRIUM, was a guest on the acclaimed radio program "Voice of Architecture" on Radio Kultura, where he engaged in a thoughtful conversation with host Nikolai Shumakov on the evolution of educational environments — from the industrial-era template toward a complex, flexible, and human-centered architecture of the future.
In the 20th century, during the era of industrial society, schools were architectural clones of factories: uniform corridors, identical classrooms, standardized curricula. A child in Vladivostok learned the same material as a child in Kaliningrad. The 21st century, by contrast, is defined by personalization—not an abstract “student,” but a unique child with individual preferences, learning styles, and personal background.
Today, education spaces are no longer passive backdrops. In an age of digitalization, individualization, and conscious choice, they have become active participants in the learning process — shaping how children think, interact, and grow.
A decade ago, schools in residential developments were either inserted using standardized templates or added as an afterthought. Today, developers understand they are not selling apartments — they are selling ecosystems. And the quality of infrastructure — particularly modern, thoughtfully designed educational environments — has become a decisive factor in family relocation.
In this context, ATRIUM has developed its methodology of "nonlinear architecture": a design approach that rejects rigid, prescriptive layouts in favor of rich spatial scenarios: quiet zones alongside dynamic spaces, collaborative areas alongside solitary nooks, improvisational zones alongside structured learning environments. Architecture becomes a toolkit for diverse learning experiences, not a container for uniform instruction.
The conversation transcended architecture as a technical discipline — it raised a deeper question: What kind of city allows a child to grow not in spite of the system, but in harmony with their true self?
Listen to the full interview