RUINS TO RESILIENCE

Project idea

The "Ruins to Resilience" initiative seeks to reconstruct a school in Kharkiv that was destroyed due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This project aims to not only rebuild the physical structure but also to restore hope and support the community’s recovery. The new school will feature modern, flexible learning spaces and sustainable design practices. Community engagement will be central to the project, involving local residents, educators, and students in the design and construction process.

Project description

In this project we re-designed a destroyed educational building and its surrounding area in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
After a war, a country's real strength shows when it starts rebuilding, just like the strong spirit of its people. Our idea for a school in post-war Ukraine believes that education can be a source of hope, helping to rebuild and showing how strong the community is. The plan is to make a school that stands as a symbol of this strength and resilience, reflecting the spirit of the PEOPLE who want to move forward.
Our post-war school design prioritizes functionality, adaptability, and sustainability while emerging on a site that is currently undergoing its fastest revival phase. The layout is organized to maximize space efficiency while providing flexibility for future expansions or modifications. Classrooms are designed to be modular, allowing for easy reconfiguration based on evolving educational needs along with enough gathering spaces for the students to break the boredom of long study sessions, relax and liaise.
The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems underscores our commitment to environmental responsibility. Using solar panels, highly energy efficient facades and green roofs contribute to the school's self-sufficiency and reduce its ecological footprint. In summary, our architectural proposal envisions a post-war school in Ukraine that not only rebuilds physical structures but also revitalizes the spirit of the community. Through thoughtful design, sustainability, and a focus on technology, we aim to create a space where education becomes a powerful force for healing, growth, and progress.

Technical information

The redesigned school in Kharkiv focuses on functionality, adaptability, and sustainability, aiming to be a symbol of resilience and hope. The project covers a site of approximately 2,3 ha, which is currently experiencing rapid revitalization.

The architectural design features modular classrooms that can be reconfigured for various educational needs, each around 60 square meters and designed for 25-30 students. Common areas are integrated to offer spaces for relaxation and informal interactions. The design incorporates sustainable materials such as recycled steel and low-VOC paints, and uses high-performance facades for better insulation. Green roofs cover 30% of the building’s roof area to enhance insulation and manage stormwater, while 100 kW of solar panels provide renewable energy.

The school’s layout includes a library and study areas totaling 150 square meters and a 200-square-meter multipurpose hall for assemblies and events. The construction will be completed in 18 months, including a 6-month design phase and a 12-month construction phase.

Advanced technologies such as high-speed Wi-Fi, smart boards, and energy-efficient HVAC systems are part of the design. Water management includes a rainwater harvesting system and low-flow fixtures to conserve resources. Community involvement is central to the project, with workshops and feedback sessions engaging local residents, educators, and students throughout the process.

This project aims to create a modern, adaptable learning environment that not only meets current educational needs but also fosters community spirit and supports long-term growth.

This version provides the essential technical details in a concise and narrative format, emphasizing the project's goals and features.