01 Oct KHARKIV HOUSING CHALLENGE

Kharkiv, situated on the border between Ukraine and Russia, is the second-largest city in Ukraine and has been profoundly impacted by the ongoing conflict. This historically significant industrial city now confronts the urgent challenge of reconstructing damaged urban infrastructure, particularly in the realms of residential buildings and public spaces, with the dual objectives of repair and enhancement of living conditions for its residents.

In response to the initiative led by the Kharkiv City Council, the Norman Foster Foundation, and the Arup Group, BJ Architects team has developed a modular system aimed at transforming existing concrete panel housing and improving public spaces. This system includes modular building components, bomb shelters, and the integration of diverse uses at the ground level as integral components of the intervention. Furthermore, the system is designed to provide solutions for the reconstruction of severely damaged buildings, ensuring they embody a refreshed yet distinctly local architectural identity.