"Conceived as a welcoming sight for resident researchers and travelers, the piece adopted new layers of meaning in the wake of Russia’s aggression, highlighting Ukraine’s distinct culture and history amidst the ongoing assault."
Traditional Ukraine House Outlines Bit of Home in Antarctica
https://www.thisiscolossal.com/2023/03/balbek-bureau-home-memories/ via Colossal
Photo: Balbek Bureau
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Foster's plans for Kharkiv rebuild are "100 per cent ineffective" says Ukrainian architect
Plans for British architect Norman Foster to lead the reconstruction of Kharkiv are premature and neglect other cities across Ukraine that have also been destroyed by Russian troops, according to Slava Balbek of local architecture studio Balbek Bureau.
"The bombing hasn't finished yet," he told Dezeen. "How you can set the scope of work before you've analysed the level of destruction?"
"It's too early to involve somebody," added Balbek, who founded Kyiv-based firm Balbek Bureau. "For now, it's 100 per cent ineffective."
Following a meeting with Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov, Foster is set to recruit a team of "world-leading experts" that will immediately start drawing up a master plan for the city's reconstruction.
Norman Foster (above) is set to lead the reconstruction of Kharkiv (top)
But in order to help Ukraine rebuild in a way that is both fair and efficient, Balbek argues architects first need a better idea of what needs to be done across the whole country, so that resources can be allocated according to need.
"It's really good that people want to be involved and I'm happy that Norman Foster had these discussions," he said.
"But you can't invest hundreds of millions in one city when you have so many villages around it that need to be repaired," Balbek added. "Somebody needs to see the whole scope of the problem and then there should be a balance of influence between different architects."
Quarter of Kharkiv buildings destroyed
Since the start of Russia's invasion on 24 February, around 25 per cent of buildings in Kharkiv have been destroyed, with shelling hitting crucial infrastructure like housing, hospitals and schools as well as more than 30 heritage sites.
And damages are only set to increase as bombing continues and Russian troops attempt to gain control of Ukraine's second-largest city, which lies only 42 kilometres from the Russian border.
Slava Balbek is an architect and founder of Balbek Bureau
Kharkiv has received particular attention from heritage groups such as Docomomo and UNESCO due to its high density of architecturally significant buildings such as the constructivist Derzhprom complex and the City Hall.
But a number of other towns and cities have witnessed similar or worse levels of decimation, Balbek says, with 90 per cent of buildings in the port city of Mariupol estimated to be either damaged or destroyed.
"You can't rebuild one city with no information about what is going on all over Ukraine," he argued. "For the price of reconstructing Kharkiv, you could help five different villages with many more people, which is extremely needed right now."
Zelensky calls for inclusive rebuilding of Ukraine
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky underlined the importance of using the country's reconstruction efforts to make housing fairer and greener during a daily address to the nation earlier this month.
"The task is not only to physically rebuild the houses, apartments, bridges and roads, businesses and social infrastructure that were destroyed by Russian troops," he said. "Not just to give people back everything they lost and give them a new foundation in life."
[
Read:
Ukrainian president recruits Balbek Bureau to build temporary housing near Kyiv
](https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/26/zelensky-balbek-bureau-kyiv-shelter/)
"Now is a historic moment, in which we can solve many old problems with the whole environment of our lives once and for all, in which we can make quality urban planning where it did not exist," he continued. "We can take into account real traffic flows, guarantee energy savings, environmentally friendly materials, inclusiveness."
The first stage of Zelensky's national reconstruction strategy will involve building temporary shelters to house locals while their homes are rebuilt.
One of these is set to be located near Kyiv and designed by Balbek Bureau based on a blueprint for a modular refugee village, which the studio developed in response to the invasion.
The post Foster's plans for Kharkiv rebuild are "100 per cent ineffective" says Ukrainian architect appeared first on Dezeen.
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Ukrainian president recruits Balbek Bureau to build temporary housing near Kyiv
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has met with Balbek Bureau and tasked the architecture studio with constructing a temporary shelter complex near Kyiv to house locals while their homes are being rebuilt following Russia's invasion.
Located between the cities of Bucha and Irpin, the short-term housing scheme is set to accommodate between 1,300 or 5,000 people left dispossessed in the region, which was heavily damaged by Russian troops as they attempted to storm the Ukrainian capital.
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Balbek Bureau met with president Zelensky (above) to discuss building a shelter complex (top)
The complex could be constructed within four to five months, according to Balbek Bureau founder Slava Balbek, based on a blueprint for a modular refugee village developed by his studio in response to the invasion.
"In Bucha, 10 or 15 per cent of buildings are totally destroyed," Balbek told Dezeen. "But some of them just need to be repaired slightly or repainted, their glazing fixed and then people can come back to their own homes."
Zelensky's reconstruction plan
Composed of modular timber-framed boxes, the studio's Re:Ukraine housing scheme was originally designed to offer "dignified" long-term accommodation for those who have fled to the relative safety of western Ukraine.
But now that Russian troops have retreated from the capital, Zelensky called for the project to be realised closer to the bombed cities and villages during a meeting on Ukraine's reconstruction, which brought together local authorities and architecture practices with representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure.
"In the government meeting with the president, he said let's do it somewhere near Bucha," Balbek explained. "People don't want to travel 500 kilometres away from their homes. They're not afraid of bombing."
"Actually, they're thinking of doing the renovation themselves so they want to be within walking distance of their actual homes, near their neighbours and the crops on their field."
The shelter's design is based on a refugee village blueprint by Balbek Bureau
The temporary housing scheme is among a number of projects that will be realised as part of the first stage of Zelensky's reconstruction plan, which was announced during a daily address to the nation earlier this month.
"Today, I set a task to provide temporary housing to all our IDPs [internally displaced people] as the first stage – giving those whose houses were destroyed by the war temporary housing until we rebuild their homes, or until people receive compensation in square metres or money," he said.
"In the second stage, we will restore what the occupiers tried to destroy, all affected cities and communities."
Shelter could also offer temporary workspaces
Currently, Balbek Bureau is finalising the master plan for the shelter and speaking to local mayors and politicians to finalise the location and size of the project, which Balbek hopes will be decided this week.
Ultimately, he says, the aim is to create the fastest possible turnover rate rather than encouraging long-term stays.
"Less is better because if you roll over your space, then another family will get the spot," Balbek said.
"And then they will live there for three or four months and then they can go back to their homes. And afterwards, a construction worker can live there or it can be used as a military outpost."
[
Read:
Norman Foster "to assemble the best minds" to rebuild Ukrainian city of Kharkiv
](https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/21/norman-foster-reconstruction-kharkiv-ukraine-war/)
Balbek Bureau is also in talks with local governments about adapting the Re:Ukraine blueprint to provide temporary office space in western Ukraine for the scores of people that have fled to this part of the country to continue working – including members of the studio's own team.
"All the accommodation and offices are fully packed with people who just moved to the western part of Ukraine," Balbek said. "So they want to build up this project to be a kind of co-working area."
Other efforts at rebuilding Ukraine that have started to take shape this month include a manifesto for the reconstruction of heavily-bombed Kharkiv, written by British architect Norman Foster.
All imagery is courtesy of Balbek Bureau.
The post Ukrainian president recruits Balbek Bureau to build temporary housing near Kyiv appeared first on Dezeen.
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Commenter says "all refugee villages should be dignified"
In this week's comments update, readers are impressed by a blueprint for a modular village designed for Ukrainian refugees and discussing other top stories.
Kyiv practice Balbek Bureau has created a design for a modular village that could provide emergency shelter for people made homeless during the war in Ukraine.
The housing scheme, dubbed Re:Ukraine, is based on a standardised timber-framed box that can be fitted with different interiors to form living quarters and communal kitchens, bathrooms and public spaces.
"A great use for shipping containers"
Readers are keen. "Bravo," said Steve Hassler. "Would be a great use for shipping containers."
"This is a fantastic project," added Charles Kelso. "I certainly hope this group gets funding to bring this to fruition. Not only would it be a merciful respite for Ukrainian refugees but it could also produce a model for longer-term refugee housing in other places around the world."
"I really wish all refugee villages were dignified like this," continued Ati-st. "Camps are becoming more and more prevalent and we need to think more about the permanently temporary architectures."
"Really pulled in by this design," concluded Betty Rubble. "So much to say that is great about it, but there is a painful catch. Where, exactly, will such housing go? Because, in the end, the biggest problem faced by refugees is not the shelter, it's the where, where can they go? Wouldn't it be wonderful if design could help with that political bit?"
Are you inspired by the modular village? Join the discussion ›
Starck expresses "unconditional support" for Ukraine after seizure of £444 million yacht he designed for Russian oligarch
"He doesn't have a crystal ball" says reader about Philippe Starck
Commenters are divided over French designer Philippe Starck declaring his solidarity with the Ukrainian people after Italian authorities seized a yacht he designed for a Russian billionaire.
"Maybe we shouldn't be condoning the designing of private yachts that are worth more than the GDP of some countries in the first place," said TKO.
Chris X22 continued: "I bet he had his moral doubts but ended up putting his desire for grandiose creative expression above his inner voice."
"He's a designer," replied Pierre, "he doesn't see the future in a crystal ball. Those who condemn it would do well to look at themselves because everyone owns something that was made or designed directly or indirectly using Russian raw materials. Wheat, gas, oil... "
Should Starck be held to account? Join the discussion ›
Studio MK27 nests living areas under giant roof of Brazilian beach house
Commenter calls Brazilian beach house "a master lesson in beautiful home design"
Readers are debating a Brazilian seaside villa designed by Studio MK27 to frame views of the surrounding landscape "like a wide-angle camera".
"A master lesson in beautiful home design, both inside and out," said Duckusucker. "Kogan is a genius, framing his homes like a cinematographer. Bravo!"
Leo was less sure: "It is a beautiful house, but such a display of wealth makes me a bit uneasy."
"The landscape design, sadly, has nothing to do with the architecture," added Miles Teg. "Other than that, even though it looks phenomenal, I am not too keen on how the gap between the two ceilings would look after a year or two."
What do you think of Vista House? Join the discussion ›
World's longest suspension bridge opens in Turkey
Reader calls world's longest bridge "an engineering marvel"
Commenters are discussing the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, which has reached completion in Turkey. It has a span of 2,023 metres, making it the longest suspension bridge in the world.
"So long," said Art Garfunkel.
Chuck continued: "I am so glad someone saw the advantages of suspension bridges! It took a while I am sure, but it was worth it!"
"Engineering marvel to rival anything people have built in the past," concluded Apsco Radiales.
How do you feel about the design? Join the discussion ›
Comments update
Dezeen is the world's most commented architecture and design magazine, receiving thousands of comments each month from readers. Keep up to date on the latest discussions onour comments page.
The post Commenter says "all refugee villages should be dignified" appeared first on Dezeen.
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Balbek Bureau proposes "temporary but dignified" refugee villages for Ukraine's displaced
Kyiv practice Balbek Bureau has analysed refugee settlements around the world to develop a blueprint for a modular village that could provide emergency shelter for people made homeless during the war in Ukraine.
The housing scheme, dubbed Re:Ukraine, is based on a standardised timber-framed box that can be fitted with different interiors to form living quarters and communal kitchens, bathrooms and public spaces.
These units could be stacked and combined into larger configurations, interspersed with squares and green spaces, to create everything from a 100-person settlement up to the equivalent of a small town housing 8,200 people.
Re:Ukraine is a blueprint for a modular refugee village
Balbek Bureau designed the template to balance residents' need for comfort and social interaction in the face of violent conflict with the urgent need to house the people displaced by "the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe since world war two," the studio said.
"The main task we set ourselves was to maintain a dignified way of life," explained the studio's founder Slava Balbek. "You can take away people's homes, unfortunately, but not their dignity."
"Time is playing against us, so it is important to find the best and fastest way to build," he added. "Imagine a family that has to spend another day, another week behind a curtain in a school gym equipped for 500 people."
The scheme integrates ample greenspace
Russia's war on Ukraine has so far damaged or levelled at least 30 listed heritage buildings and more than 4,600 homes.
As locals flee violence and destruction, an estimated 6.5 million people have been internally displaced – on top of the 3.2 million that have already left the country.
Balbek Bureau assembled a team of architects, designers and engineers in its Kyiv studio in a bid to determine the best way to house this flood of people while damaged houses are repaired and new ones constructed.
Standardised modules can be used as accommodation, kitchens or bathrooms
The team combed through existing examples of refugee housing, including modular shelters such as Exo pods and more than 20 temporary settlements in different countries from Germany to Switzerland.
"In this way, a system of values and priorities was established to ensure temporary but dignified living for Ukrainians," said Balbek. "All of last week, a team of 10 people was working 24/7 on this system."
The resulting blueprint was designed to be as flexible as possible in order to accommodate changing needs, locations and budgets, as well as growing numbers of refugees.
[
Read:
Ukraine invasion leading to "barbaric destruction of architectural heritage"
](https://www.dezeen.com/2022/03/10/ukraine-invasion-barbaric-destruction-architectural-heritage/)
The scheme relies on an interchangeable standardised module that consists of a wooden frame, oriented strand board walls and asphalt roll roofing, which altogether would cost around $350 to $550 per square metre to produce.
These are "the main building materials that our country can extract and produce in sufficient quantities", Balbek Bureau said, without needing specialist knowledge or equipment to assemble them.
The standard modules have a wooden frame, oriented strand board walls and asphalt roll roofing
No matter if used as a residential block or a kitchen, each unit has the same footprint of around three by seven metres.
But Balbek Bureau has developed templates for how these modules can be combined into six different types of self-sufficient units, each housing at least one kitchen, one bathroom and one public space such as a common room, community centre or square.
"Socialising, especially in the new environment, has a positive effect on people's psychological state," the studio said. "The ability to make new friends, to be together among their own strengthens mental health."
The blocks can be combined together into larger quarters
Balbek Bureau has also modelled how these blueprints could be scaled up into larger quarters and settlements of over 8,200 people without needing to make structural changes to the original modules.
Now, the studio is presenting the scheme to representatives of both the public and private sector, with the aim of creating a pilot village in western Ukraine.
"It is faster to set up such a pilot village in Ukraine than wherever else due to additional regulations in Europe," Balbek Bureau told Dezeen.
The system could house up to 8,200 people together
Balbek Bureau is an architecture and interior design studio based in Kyiv, which has previously completed a number of projects in the Ukrainian capital including a gender-neutral beauty salon and the office of software company Grammarly.
The studio was among a number of local architects and designers that shared their experiences with Dezeen in the early days of the war, revealing how several members of its team have taken up arms to defend their country while others have relocated to safety to work on international projects.
The post Balbek Bureau proposes "temporary but dignified" refugee villages for Ukraine's displaced appeared first on Dezeen.
#all #architecture #news #conceptualarchitecture #ukraine #refugeecamps #shelters #balbekbureau #ukrainewar
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