Status: competitionTeam: Slazhnev B., Korzhenko M., Zhirova M., SETTANTA 7Date: 2024Location: Ukraine
Future School for Ukraine
Designing an adaptive educational ecosystem for learning, growth, and community
The international competition “Future School for Ukraine” was launched to develop an adaptive technical design for the construction of new schools across Ukraine. Its goal was to create a universal solution capable of saving both time and financial resources. The project was developed in collaboration with the SETTANTA7 team, guided by our shared vision. The mission of the project was to establish a new ecosystem within the educational environment. We aimed to create a micro-world where students, teachers, and community members can grow, learn, and interact within a safe, caring, and sustainable setting. The proposed school is designed to encourage socialization, collaboration, and the psychological well-being of the next generation.
The architectural design establishes a strong visual and physical connection between the school and its natural surroundings. Open courtyards, terraces, staircases, and ramps seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, encouraging interaction and engagement.
The building’s layout and orientation are designed to ensure unobstructed and intuitive use for all visitors, while fostering a sense of calm and safety.
The school complex is composed of modular blocks that allow for adaptability to various site conditions and can be implemented without significant functional changes.
The building orientation is designed to maximize natural daylight, supporting students’ well-being and creating a positive environment for all users. Finishing materials are selected to withstand intensive use, ensuring durability and safety.
A continuous dialogue between interior and exterior transforms the school environment into a dynamic and interactive learning space. The primary school has a separate entrance group, independent from the main entrance, ensuring comfort and a sense of security for younger students.
The school includes a lobby, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, relaxation areas, and shared spaces designed for engaging learning and teamwork. Sports halls, assembly halls, and multifunctional spaces provide students with broad opportunities to develop social skills, actively participate in community life, foster cultural exchange, and build a sense of belonging.
Site Adaptability and Modularity
A key challenge was designing the building to be adaptable to any site. The modular blocks enable flexibility across different cities in Ukraine and can be implemented without significant functional changes.
Multifunctional Shelters and Underground Spaces
During emergency situations, the educational process can continue in well-equipped shelters that comply with civil protection standards. These shelters are designed as multifunctional spaces and can be used during peacetime, increasing their overall utility. The underground areas combine robustness and adaptability to create a safe and supportive educational environment. These spaces can be transformed into cinemas, theater studios, shooting ranges, tracks for testing constructed vehicles, table tennis areas, and rooms equipped with 3D printers.
Design Approach
An overview of the architectural, spatial, and programmatic decisions
The selection of building materials and construction methods reflects our commitment to sustainable development. The use of environmentally friendly and recycled materials helps reduce the project’s negative impact on the environment. Interior spaces transform the school environment into a dynamic and interactive learning setting. The primary school is separated from the main entrance, ensuring comfort and safety for younger students. The program includes a lobby, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, relaxation areas, and shared spaces designed for engaging learning and teamwork. Common areas provide students with broad opportunities to develop social skills, actively participate in community life, foster cultural exchange, and build a sense of belonging. During emergency situations, the educational process can continue in well-equipped shelters that comply with civil protection standards. The dining area is designed to provide a sense of comfort and calm for every student. Comfortable furniture, soft lighting, and natural materials create an atmosphere where students enjoy spending time.
We create architectural projects that combine aesthetics, functionality, and comfort — from idea to implementation.
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