Youth education on 
design, urban planning
and civic engagement

Mission

At UDesign, we don’t just teach kids about architecture—we empower them to think like urban planners, designers, and engaged citizens.

Through a hands-on, project-based approach, children and teens explore the built environment, analyze public spaces, and propose solutions for making cities more inclusive, sustainable, and safe. Our courses go beyond creativity; they teach critical thinking, problem-solving, and civic engagement, encouraging young people to see themselves as active participants in shaping their communities.

By working on real-world urban challenges, collaborating with professionals, and presenting their ideas in public forums, students gain a sense of agency—proving that even the youngest voices can have an impact on the cities we live in.

Story Behind

UDesign began with a simple yet powerful idea: creativity can be a tool for belonging and change.

We launched UDesign in March 2022 with design workshops for Ukrainian children displaced by Russia’s full-scale war. What began as a space for creative expression quickly evolved into something more—a platform for learning, resilience, and connection. We saw firsthand how design could help children make sense of their new environment, giving them a voice in shaping the world around them.

From those first sessions, UDesign evolved—we have changed, adapted, and grown, and for every turn in our journey, we are grateful—because every step forward has led to new places of innovation and impact.

Today, UDesign is more than an educational initiative. It is a space where young people learn to see, question, and improve their cities—not just as future professionals, but as engaged citizens who understand their role in shaping the world.

Our Milestones:

First art and design workshops for Ukrainian children (ages 4-11), providing a creative space for displaced youth.

March 2022

UDesign became part of Global Shapers Prague, gaining a network of support and collaboration.

April 2022

Supported by STO in collaboration with Czech Technical University, expanding our reach.

Summer 2022

Launched structured design courses for three age groups, introducing young students to modern art, design fields, and architecture in partnership with the Architectural Institute in Prague (ARCHIP) and supported by the U.S. Embassy in Prague.

September 2022

2023

Transitioned into a semester-long curriculum, reaching over 200 students and collaborating with local organizations such as Nadace Via Prague and Integration Center Prague.

Awarded the Innovation Prize, leading to the launch of the first year-long educational program on urban planning and civic engagement for teenagers in the Czech Republic.

2024

2025 and Beyond

Expanding our impact, fostering young designers, and helping shape more inclusive, sustainable cities.

How to Get Involved

  • Enroll in our upcoming courses and let your child explore the world of design.

  • Join us as a mentor or guest lecturer and help inspire the next generation of urban thinkers.

  • Support our initiative through funding, space sponsorships, or expert collaboration.

Supported By

A big thanks to @globalshapercommunity and @accenture for supporting our project through the Innovation Prize 2024-25. Your support helps us empower the next generation of young designers, urban planners, and engaged citizens.

Partners

At UDesign, we believe in the power of collaboration. Over the years, we have built a strong network of architects, urbanists, educators, and institutions who support our mission to make architecture and urban planning accessible to young people. From universities and NGOs to industry leaders and cultural foundations, our partners help us bring real-world learning opportunities to students and expand our impact.