Beyond Architecture Studio (B.A.S) is opening its first permanent space in Dubai at Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz
The studio was founded on the belief that architecture cannot be taught in isolation from other creative fields
The studio was founded on the belief that architecture cannot be taught in isolation from other creative fields

Beyond Architecture Studio (B.A.S), a youth architecture and creative studio, is set to open its own space in Dubai at Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz. Located in Warehouse 33, B.A.S has been successfully building an artistic hub for creative minds in Dubai since 2023 — a space where architecture, art, and cultural education converge for young talents aged 6 to 18, a format that is truly unique in the UAE and currently bringing together almost 100 students.

The opening will take place at the studio’s new space in Al Quoz and will feature a showcase of children’s installations created over the past month, accompanied by drinks and music. The presentation offers an introduction to the studio’s approach, where architecture is understood as a living, interdisciplinary practice rather than a purely technical discipline.

B.A.S stands for Beyond Architecture Studio. The studio was founded on the belief that architecture cannot be taught in isolation from other creative fields. At B.A.S, architecture exists alongside art history, sculpture, fashion, painting, theatre, and contemporary artistic practices, encouraging students to explore space, form, and meaning through multiple creative lenses.

The studio is run by Sofia Tkach, Founder and Art Director, and Nataliya Melnikova, Partner and Founder of the Lecture and Cultural Heritage Department.

Sofia Tkach is a practicing architect, curator, and educator. A graduate of the Moscow Architectural Institute (MArchI), she has worked as a lead architect at ABD Architects since 2007 and has been teaching children since 2012 — the years during which the B.A.S concept was forged. An award-winning architect, her work has been recognised by the Union of Moscow Architects, the Bauhaus Foundation, and the French Architectural Association. Sofia has participated in major international exhibitions, including the Venice Architecture Biennale in 2014. Following years of studio work in Moscow, Sofia and Nataliya founded Studio B.A.S in Dubai, expanding a successful educational methodology that integrates architectural thinking with artistic exploration into the UAE.

“At B.A.S, we believe architecture cannot be taught in isolation,” says Sofia Tkach. “It exists together with art, culture, and contemporary creative practices. For young people, this opens a way of thinking that goes far beyond buildings and technical skills.”

Nataliya Melnikova joined Studio B.A.S as a partner and leads its lecture, research, and cultural heritage direction. With a background in law and primary education, she curates a programme of talks on the history, art, and architecture of Dubai and the UAE for both children and adults, exploring the city’s remarkable transformation from traditional settlements to a contemporary metropolis. She is also building a growing research library dedicated to the region’s cultural history.

“Understanding the place you live in is the foundation for a meaningful connection with it,” says Nataliya Melnikova. “Through this connection comes a deeper sense of belonging and well-being. It is difficult to feel at home without knowing the history of the region, its traditions, and its way of life.”

Beyond Architecture Studio is open to children and teenagers aged 6 to 18 and does not require prior preparation or a specific background. Curiosity and a willingness to explore new creative territories are the only essential prerequisites.

The studio offers a long-term, academically grounded learning programme rather than one-off workshops. Both process and result are considered equally important. Students work on architectural projects through drawings and models, paintings, art objects, furniture design, and animation,with older students gradually moving toward portfolio-level preparation for further architectural and creative education. Many projects engage directly with the city and real spaces, helping students understand scale and the relationship between creativity and the surrounding environment.

Following the opening, Beyond Architecture Studio enters a new stage of growth with the launch of its own dedicated studio space. The space is conceived as a creative home where teenagers can come not only on class days, surrounded by works in progress and furniture made by students themselves. The studio will also introduce an architecture course in English, a lecture programme on culture and history, and continue building a community of parents and children through shared trips, exhibitions, and guidance for older students choosing their professional path.

Guests are welcome to visit the opening at Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz, Warehouse 33 at 18:00 on Saturday, 10 January 2026.

Beyond Architecture Studio (B.A.S) is a youth architecture and creative studio based in Dubai, dedicated to long-term education for children and teenagers aged 6 to 18. The studio combines architecture with art, culture, and interdisciplinary creative practice through an academically grounded programme focused on process, experimentation, and real-world engagement. Located at Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz, B.A.S provides a space where young people can develop creative confidence, critical thinking, and a lasting connection to their own ideas.