It’s estimated that more than four million refugees have fled Ukraine since Russian forces invaded in February, while a further six million have been displaced within the country. For those still in Ukraine, the situation is bleak – but one architecture studio based in Kyiv has designed a modular village that could provide shelter to thousands of people in the west of the country.
The houses haven’t been built yet, but they have been designed so they can be set up quickly (and built using commonly found materials). It’s an important detail, as it means that supply-chain issues – or the reality of living in a war zone – won’t affect construction.
The development, called RE:UKRAINE, was created by Slava Balbek of architecture firm Balbek Bureau. It can be modified to include bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and communal areas as needed. And the homes are designed to be grouped together in settlements that house up to 8,000 refugees.
The architects are currently in discussions with both authorities and private investors to secure funding, but it’s hoped that they can start building in western Ukraine soon.
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