The campus of Central Asian University hosted the international CAU Arch Summit 2026 — a two-day event dedicated to architecture, urbanism, design, and the future of urban environments.
The summit brought together architects, urban planners, designers, artists, students, and representatives of leading international architectural firms. More than 20 speakers from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Uzbekistan participated in the event, which welcomed over 800 attendees.
The keynote guest of the summit was Bjarke Ingels - founder of the internationally renowned architecture firm BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group and one of the most influential architects of our time. His projects are globally recognized for combining sustainable architecture, advanced technology, and unconventional urban solutions.
Among BIG’s most iconic projects are the Google Headquarters in California, 8 House in Copenhagen, CopenHill - a power plant with a rooftop ski slope - and VIA 57 West in New York.
Every project is an opportunity to explore something new. What inspires me most about Tashkent is that Central Asia stands at a true crossroads — not only geographically, but also culturally and architecturally. This region carries centuries of spatial understanding within its courtyards, bazaars, and the interaction of light and shadow. The question for the new generation of architects is not whether modernization should happen, but how to evolve this heritage without destroying it. The students I met here are asking exactly the kinds of questions that truly matter. And that gives me great optimism. - Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG.
The international program of CAU Arch Summit 2026 also featured representatives from Zaha Hadid Architects, Mangera Yvars Architects, Cross Works, and The World Bank. International speakers included Paolo Matteuzzi, Patricia Urlan, Mohamed Nada, Ali Mangera, Hakan Agca, and other industry professionals.
Today we live in a world where technology is developing at an incredible pace. With the rise of artificial intelligence and new digital tools, it is especially important not to resist these changes, but to understand them. Technology should be seen as a tool. Architects still carry the responsibility and the ability to decide how to use technology based on their own experience, values, and creativity. Rather than fighting technology, I believe we should embrace it while preserving the human approach in design. - Patricia Urlan, Business Development Manager at BIG.
The summit program included keynote lectures, panel discussions, and open conversations dedicated to the role of art in architecture, the identity of Uzbek architecture, contemporary urban planning, and the future of cities.
Re:Field - A Space for Ideas, Art, and Architectural Solutions
At the heart of CAU Arch Summit 2026 were the Re:Field Hackathon, Re:Field Art Expo, and Re:Field Architecture & Design Expo - projects focused on rethinking urban and rural territories, the architecture of the future, and new approaches to urbanism.
As part of the Re:Field Art Expo, school students, university students, and young creatives presented artistic and architectural works dedicated to the pressing challenges of urban and rural environments. The exhibition featured installations, paintings, graphics, as well as architecture and design projects.
A separate highlight of the program was the Re:Field Hackathon - an architectural hackathon focused on the revitalization of unused and abandoned urban spaces.
Through intensive teamwork, participants developed their own concepts for transforming real territories and solving real-world urban challenges. Teams from 16 leading universities in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan took part in the hackathon, bringing together around 100 participants in total.
In addition to the hackathon and exhibitions, the summit program included workshops on sculpture, ganch carving, and AI visualization, along with educational sessions, professional discussions, and an awards ceremony for the winning teams.
Architecture as Part of CAU’s Development Strategy
CAU Arch Summit 2026 became an international platform created by Central Asian University, bringing together the professional community, global experts, and the new generation of architects from Central Asia.
I believe this is an incredible story. For students, the opportunity to see, meet, hear, and personally interact with world-renowned architects who came to this city is of immense value. You brought one of the greatest architects of our time here, and this is truly a unique opportunity for Central Asian University students. - Alexander Fedorov, founder of the “Tashkent Modernism” project.
The forum became part of Central Asian University’s broader strategy to develop an international educational and professional environment in Central Asia. The university views architecture and urbanism not only as academic disciplines, but also as tools that influence the quality of urban life, culture, and the lifestyles of future generations.
A particularly important role in this direction is played by the CAU School of Architecture and Design. This year, the school will launch its new campus — a modern space designed for education, project-based learning, and the professional development of students.
“CAU Arch Summit 2026 demonstrates the place that Central Asia occupies in the global dialogue on architecture and the future of cities. We believe that the new generation of architects in Uzbekistan should not only follow global trends, but also shape them. By bringing together participants such as Bjarke Ingels, Paolo Matteuzzi, and Mohamed Nada alongside our students and local communities, we are creating a dialogue capable of turning ambition into reality. This is exactly the kind of environment that Central Asian University strives to build.” - Shukrullo Djakhongirov.
The new infrastructure will allow the university to develop a more practice-oriented educational process, where architecture and design are studied through hands-on experience, spatial experimentation, and real-world projects.
About Central Asian University
Founded in 2019 in Uzbekistan, Central Asian University is one of the country’s fastest-growing private universities. It offers internationally oriented educational programs in medicine, dentistry, business, architecture and design, engineering, tourism and hospitality, and other in-demand fields. Its modern campus, internationally experienced faculty, and strong emphasis on practical education make CAU an attractive destination for students from around the world.
Central Asian University is ranked among the Top 1000 universities in the global Round University Ranking 2025, debuted in THE Impact Rankings 2025, and was recognized as the Most Innovative University in Uzbekistan 2024 by the Science and Innovation Awards. It was also named the No.1 Young University in Uzbekistan 2025 by the AD Scientific Index.
In addition, CAU received a 4-star international rating from QS Stars, becoming the only private university in Uzbekistan to achieve this level of recognition. According to the 2025 Science and Innovation Awards, Central Asian University was also recognized as the Best Non-State Higher Education Institution of the Year.
CAU actively develops strategic international partnerships and implements joint academic and research projects with universities in Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and other countries. Through its innovative educational model and commitment to global collaboration, the university continues to strengthen its position as one of the leading institutions in higher education across the region.
Phone: (+998) 71-200-05-22, (+998) 71-208-12-34
Email: admission@centralasian.uz
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