Some experiences fill your heart unexpectedly, making you realize how essential it is to start from the basics—from the very beginning, when wonder is still intact, and the mind is open, curious, and free of barriers.

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to teach a third-grade class a simple yet revolutionary concept: just like animals, we humans build our homes by taking inspiration from nature.
An Architecture Lesson… for Kids!
Imagine a classroom filled with wide-eyed children, eager hands shooting up to share their discoveries, bursts of laughter, and pure wonder. It was in this setting that I posed my first question:
“Do you think humans have nests too?”
“Nooo!” they all shouted in unison.
“What if I told you that our homes are just like nests?”
Silence. Wide eyes.
And so began a journey into nature-inspired architecture, where we explored how every animal builds its shelter based on its needs, carefully choosing the right location, the best materials, and the most effective strategy to stay safe and comfortable.
Ants dig intricate underground cities with ventilation tunnels. Birds weave perfect nests using twigs and blades of grass. Otters seek water-rich environments to ensure access to food and security. And us? We do the same—often without even realizing it!
Architecture That Comforts
Together, we uncovered a fundamental idea: our brains instinctively seek spaces where we feel safe. Cluttered and chaotic environments make us uneasy, while simple, harmonious, and natural spaces make us feel at peace.
When I asked, “Would you rather be in a room filled with light or one that is dark and narrow?“, the response was immediate:
“With lots of light!”
And when I followed up with, “Do you feel better in a noisy place or a quiet one?“, everyone chose quiet.
Without needing complex explanations, they instinctively understood that good architecture is not just about aesthetics—it’s about well-being. And just like animals, we must carefully choose our spaces because they shape our mood, health, and way of living.
Why Is It So Important to Teach Architecture to Children?
Teaching children about the spaces around them helps them make better choices in the future:
🔹 It develops critical thinking: Today, they learn to observe. Tomorrow, they will choose homes, neighborhoods, and cities that are more livable.
🔹 It fosters environmental awareness: Understanding that poor construction impacts nature helps them grow with a sense of responsibility for sustainable design.
🔹 It sparks creativity and problem-solving skills: Learning that every part of a home serves a specific function—protection, comfort, efficiency—makes them more mindful and resourceful.
And beyond all this, teaching children always offers a chance to rediscover the magic in simple things. Seeing the world through their eyes reminds us to be amazed by our surroundings and appreciate that every home, at its core, is a nest built to protect, welcome, and provide comfort.
The Future of Architecture Starts Here
It all begins in schools, with children’s curiosity. If we teach them to build wisely from an early age, maybe one day we’ll have cities that are more beautiful, sustainable, and truly designed for everyone.
And who knows—maybe among those children, there was already a future architect or engineer who will one day change the world!