Cities do not grow by chance—they are crafted, designed, and assembled like intricate puzzles. The question of who guides this process will be at the heart of the International Architecture Congress ARCHICA 2026, DKNews.kz reports.
In 2026, ARCHICA will take place in two stages. The first will be held in Tashkent at the Hyatt Regency on April 6–7, and the second in Astana on October 5–6. This dual-city format allows the event to reach a wider audience while deepening discussions about Central Asia’s architectural future.
The Key theme: Way of Water
The central theme of the congress, “Way of Water”, will explore the intersection of water, climate, and architecture in urban planning. Experts will discuss practical questions:
- How to design spaces that are not only beautiful but resilient to climate challenges.
- How to integrate architecture into an ever-changing environment.
- Which mechanisms can turn bold, innovative ideas into reality.
Cities, identity, and culture
ARCHICA 2026 will also focus on “City Revival & Identity” and “Future Places”. These program blocks aim to explore how architecture and art shape civic identity while respecting local culture and context.
International and local experts will:
- Examine case studies of cities that successfully merge global ambition with cultural specificity.
- Discuss modern approaches to preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage.
Expert voices
ARCHICA 2026 will bring together some of the world’s leading architects, designers, and urban planners, many of whom will engage with Central Asia for the first time:
- Harry Dobbs, founder of Harry Dobbs Design (UK)
- Alexey Boev, founder of IDENTITY.IN and architect at Neutelings Riedijk Architects (Netherlands)
- Dr. Lesley Gray, Principal and Head Curator at Barker Langham (UK)
- Paul Owens, co-founder of BOP Consulting and World Cities Culture Forum (UK)
- Matthew Frantz, co-founder of Frantz Slater Design Collective (UK)
- Antonio J. Bettencourt Henriques, partner at Saraiva + Associados (Portugal)
- Irina Vaganova, architect at Orange Architects (Netherlands)
Experts from the region will also play a key role:
- Gaga Amatuni, chief designer of Yerevan
- Temur Akhmedov, founder of the Uzbekistan Green Building Council
- Lyubov Safronova, founder of SAFRONOVA PROJECT STUDIO
- Maria Sultanova and Maxim Oltyan, partners of Archisad Engineering & Design
- Bakhrom Khodjaev, founder of Archiquad
- Bobir Klichev, founder and chief architect of ARC Architects
Practical solutions for urban development
The congress is not only about ideas but also about action. The business program will explore:
- Strategies for building urban identity
- Mechanisms for attracting investment in architectural projects
- How to incorporate climate and water factors from the design stage
- Successful case studies of projects brought from concept to completion
“The project team strives to provide comprehensive support to the Central Asian architectural community," notes ARCHICA founder Indira Makhmetova. "Our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem that will address several strategic objectives: promoting the region's architectural heritage on the global stage, advancing local professionals, and facilitating the international exchange of professional expertise, where local practices would seamlessly complement global trends.”
Supporting organizations
ARCHICA 2026 is supported by:
- “NIPI Astanagenplan” LLP
- Union of Architects of Uzbekistan
- Center of Urbanism of Astana
- Habitat Academy educational platform
- United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)
The event promises a bridge between theoretical discussions and practical urban solutions that will shape the future of Central Asia.
