In war zones, going to school is no longer a certainty. Education becomes fragile, interrupted by the rhythm of sirens and air raid alerts.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war in Ukraine, 3,798 schools have been damaged or destroyed, disrupting the learning of millions of children. In Zaporizhzhia, nearly 116,000 children have been directly affected by the ongoing conflict.
Located on Khortytsia Island, a place deeply rooted in Ukrainian history, the project draws inspiration from the legacy of the Zaporizhzhian Cossacks, symbols of resilience, collective organization, defense, and cultural identity.
The project reinterprets this heritage for the present day: to protect without isolating, and to preserve education despite a hostile environment.
Construction of a 1,000 m² resilient underground school designed to ensure educational continuity in a context of prolonged conflict. The facility will serve the Khortytsia National Academy, specialised pedagogical college and scientific lyceum, operating in two daily shifts and remaining fully functional during security alerts. The pilot project combines underground architecture, reinforced concrete domes, low-carbon construction, natural fibre-optic lighting, renewable energy systems, potential geothermal heating and cooling, and sustainable timber interiors to create a safe, comfortable and environmentally responsible learning environment.
