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. Designed as Ukraine’s underground educational facility, the school brings together three educational institutions: a science-focused high school, a teacher training college, and an academy for children with disabilities. More than a protective structure, the project represents a commitment to the continuity of Ukrainian education, identity, and future generations.
