Last week, multi-disciplinary design practice, rg+p Ltd partnered with the Leicestershire and Rutland Society of Architects (LRSA), LCB Canopy and community interest company, Mini BrickChic® CIC to host a series of workshops for aspiring young architects.
Held in the public gallery space at LCB Canopy, home to rg+p’s Leicester studio, the Young Architects: Build the City workshops celebrated Love Architecture Month, held every October by LRSA. Six sessions throughout half term provided space for imaginative, educational play, using LEGO® bricks and minifigures provided by Mini BrickChic® CIC.
Lucy Thompson, rg+p’s marketing coordinator says:
“This was such a fun way to introduce children to how we think about designing cities, places and spaces. Each session focused on a different part of the city, from dream homes and public parks, to bridges, eco-friendly buildings and even a new landmark for Leicester’s skyline. Our team volunteered to mentor each session, and it was hard to tell who was having a better time, the children or the adults!”
Mini BrickChic® CIC was established in April 2026 by local businesswoman, Jaymini Pankhania and encourages playing with LEGO® to build confidence, communication and community connections.
Jaymini said:
“The therapeutic benefits of playing with LEGO® are immense and inclusive, it’s something everyone can do. I wanted to turn my love of this into something good for the local community and this is how Mini BrickChic® CIC started. I’ve since hosted workshops across Leicestershire, and spoken at business events, which is how I met rg+p and LCB Canopy.”
Gabe Zulerons from the LCB Canopy team commented:
“Jaymini was guest speaker at our recent Business Breakfast event, and inspired the room with the journey that ultimately led to the creation of Mini BrickChic® CIC. We were so pleased to support Jay in bringing the idea of using LEGO® to help build stronger communities to Canopy over the Leicester half-term week. It’s been fun, engaging, and positive, all in equal measure.”
Jess Southworth, LRSA adds:
“Leicester’s architecture is beautiful and varied, so we hoped it would provide plenty of inspiration for the workshops. It’s safe to say it’s done that and more. Seeing how the children have brought the city to life in LEGO® form, and added their own imaginative designs, has been a fantastic way to celebrate Love Architecture Month.”
rg+p and Mini BrickChic® CIC aim to continue their partnership, delivering workshops to local schools in 2027. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group of Companies, which did not sponsor or endorse these events.