Archikidz 2025: Imagination in the Trees

On October 11th, Pavilion De Mug at Nova College came alive with the buzz of young designers and builders of the next generation during Archikidz 2025 in Haarlem. More than a hundred children explored the world of architecture. This year’s theme, “Build Your Own Tree House,” invited the young architects to let their imagination run free and design their own dream spaces high up in the trees.

A team of 30 architects — including a group from Benthem Crouwel Architects — guided the children in selecting materials and bringing their ideas to life. From slides and racetracks to peaceful sleeping pods and bee hotels, the treetops quickly filled with inventive and joyful creations. The children’s enthusiasm and imagination were truly infectious.

At Benthem Crouwel Architects, we are proud to support Archikidz. We see it as both an honour and a responsibility to contribute to initiatives that nurture curiosity and creativity in the next generation. After all, architecture begins with imagination — with the courage to see, think, and build differently.

By the end of the day, the trees were adorned with the inventive structures of the young architects. A jury carefully reviewed all creations and selected three proud winners — a fitting conclusion to a day filled with creativity, collaboration, and joy.

Together with VerhoevenCS architecture+urbanism, Paul de Ruiter Architects, AM and AG architecten.