A comprehensive recovery project for war-affected communities in Ukraine is moving forward as a new modern school has been designed for one of the settlements in the Kherson region. The initiative is part of the wider reconstruction program aimed not at partial repairs, but at the full restoration of all damaged residential, social, medical, educational, and infrastructure facilities.
The project prioritizes accessibility, inclusiveness, energy efficiency, and safety, aligning with current international standards. It is implemented by the Agency for Restoration in coordination with the Ministry for Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine.
Rebuilding a Community Severely Impacted by Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion
During the full-scale invasion, the settlement of Posad-Pokrovske in the Kherson region suffered extensive damage: homes, community facilities, and the local school were destroyed.
A new project has now been developed to create a contemporary educational complex combining:
- a school,
- a kindergarten, and
- an open public space
— all designed to serve as a multipurpose center for community life.
A Modern Educational Complex for Learning, Growth, and Community Building
The future building will be more than a traditional school. It is envisioned as a true community hub and will consist of five functional blocks integrating learning, sports, culture, and communal activities.
Key Features of the New Complex
• Multifunctional spaces
– Primary school and gymnasium classrooms
– Assembly hall for cultural and community events
– Sports hall
– Library and co-working space
– A modern cafeteria in a café-style format
• Safety and accessibility
– A radiation-proof shelter integrated into the design
– Fully accessible and inclusive architecture
– All ground-floor classrooms have two entrances: from inside the building and directly from the outside
• Learning environment focused on the child
– A science laboratory
– A technology classroom
– An IT room
– A campus designed entirely around the needs and comfort of students
• Preserving memory through architecture
To honor the history of the community, the floor plan will include a contour of the old school building, created using salvaged bricks from the destroyed structure.
The architectural concept was developed by the urban bureau Big City Lab.
Official Statement
“The resilience of a community is defined by its people. Recovery in frontline regions must be meaningful, not formal: with safety, modern education, accessible services, and spaces for interaction. Despite the destruction, we must create conditions that encourage people to stay and build their future at home,”
— Oleksiy Kuleba, Deputy Prime Minister for Ukraine’s Recovery — Minister for Communities and Territories Development.
A Model of Future-Oriented Reconstruction
The new school project showcases how post-war reconstruction can transform a mono-functional building into a flexible, multifunctional space that serves the entire community. It reflects Ukraine’s approach to rebuilding: combining safety, modern standards, and community-focused design.
