Kharkiv Housing Challenge

2024

The design approach in response to the Norman Foster Foundation Kharkiv Housing Challenge proposes to retrofit and enhance the concrete panel housing blocks of Kharkiv to rebuild a community, not just a structure.

Concrete panel housing construction remains largely unchanged due to its cost-effectiveness and rapid assembly process. Additionally, apartment layouts and designs are primarily driven by market demands and economic conditions, and any potential improvements would require further research and modelling to optimise the housing mix.

In the event of replacing damaged structural elements, the proposal recommends continuing to use the familiar concrete panel system, which is well-established in the local construction industry. However, enhancements to insulation between homes can be implemented, ensuring better thermal and acoustic performance.

For undamaged sections, upgrades to insulation can be achieved by adding insulation and isolation layers to the existing panel walls. A key focus of this revitalization plan is to reimagine the community spaces between existing buildings. By transforming the ground-level apartments into a blend of retail, commercial, and community spaces, the design fosters greater social interaction and engagement. These new spaces will connect seamlessly to the shared public areas and provide access to rooftops, further enhancing community interaction.

To ensure residents are not displaced, the apartments being converted on the ground floor will be relocated to the upper levels of the building, maintaining a balance between housing availability and public space. This vertical expansion is intended to symbolise growth and recovery, with the buildings rising stronger from past destruction.

As private car ownership increases, an underground parking structure will be introduced, shared among groups of buildings to optimise space. Alongside this, Civil Protection Structures, or bomb shelters, will be integrated into the underground parking areas. These shelters will be directly accessible from existing stairwells with extended elevator service. Multiple entry and exit points, along with light and air access from strategically placed wells, will ensure usability in emergencies. During peaceful times, these shelters can serve as underground meeting spaces, offering venues for community activities or business operations.