Fatma melike Baltalar özkan, 
Sanem Oktay, 
Göksu Naz Aktaş, 
Ilhan Erim Unal 
Using charred wooden shingles and integrating subterranean spaces, the design fosters community resilience while providing versatile venues for cultural engagement and public activities.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural performance and sustainability.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design, allowing for innovative spatial configurations.
04
Integrates extensive subterranean areas to provide refuge and community gathering spaces.
05
Emphasizes local cultural narratives through architectural elements and community engagement.
General keywords
The SUBTERRA project in Kharkiv, Ukraine, serves as a multifaceted architectural response to the local community's needs for resilience and engagement. Positioned within a historically significant context, the project reinterprets the idea of underground spaces, transforming them into active hubs for culture, education, and social interaction. By leveraging the existing urban landscape, SUBTERRA integrates the subterranean environment with the broader community, fostering a sense of continuity and connection.
Innovative Use of Underground Space
What sets SUBTERRA apart from typical projects is its focus on repurposing underground areas for community use. The design incorporates a library and exhibition hall within subterranean spaces, demonstrating a strategic approach to land use. This adaptation allows these facilities to provide refuge during emergencies while simultaneously serving as vibrant venues for cultural exchange. The spatial arrangement emphasizes flexibility, enabling the spaces to cater to various functions, from educational programs to public performances.
Integration of Cultural Context
The project reflects a deep consideration for Kharkiv's cultural and historical narratives. By incorporating local architectural elements and historical references into the design, it seeks to engage with public memory and collective experience. This integration invites community participation in shaping the space, aligning with local aspirations and fostering a sense of ownership. Notably, the transformation of the "Victory Tent" into a permanent structure exemplifies the commitment to preserving the city’s history while providing a functional, contemporary space for civic activities.
Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s architectural identity. The design employs a combination of reinforced concrete, steel framework, and glass elements, emphasizing durability and transparency. These materials do not only enhance structural integrity but also facilitate natural light and ventilation in underground spaces, ensuring they remain conducive to human activity. The emphasis on sustainability is integral, aligning with contemporary architectural practices that prioritize environmental considerations without compromising performance or aesthetics.
The SUBTERRA project illustrates a thoughtful exploration of underground architecture, effectively transforming a traditionally overlooked space into a focal point for community resilience and interaction. For an in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that underscore this innovative project, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. This exploration will provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas that shape SUBTERRA, revealing how contemporary design can respond to historical context and social needs.
Innovative Use of Underground Space
What sets SUBTERRA apart from typical projects is its focus on repurposing underground areas for community use. The design incorporates a library and exhibition hall within subterranean spaces, demonstrating a strategic approach to land use. This adaptation allows these facilities to provide refuge during emergencies while simultaneously serving as vibrant venues for cultural exchange. The spatial arrangement emphasizes flexibility, enabling the spaces to cater to various functions, from educational programs to public performances.
Integration of Cultural Context
The project reflects a deep consideration for Kharkiv's cultural and historical narratives. By incorporating local architectural elements and historical references into the design, it seeks to engage with public memory and collective experience. This integration invites community participation in shaping the space, aligning with local aspirations and fostering a sense of ownership. Notably, the transformation of the "Victory Tent" into a permanent structure exemplifies the commitment to preserving the city’s history while providing a functional, contemporary space for civic activities.
Material Selection and Sustainability
Materiality plays a crucial role in the project’s architectural identity. The design employs a combination of reinforced concrete, steel framework, and glass elements, emphasizing durability and transparency. These materials do not only enhance structural integrity but also facilitate natural light and ventilation in underground spaces, ensuring they remain conducive to human activity. The emphasis on sustainability is integral, aligning with contemporary architectural practices that prioritize environmental considerations without compromising performance or aesthetics.
The SUBTERRA project illustrates a thoughtful exploration of underground architecture, effectively transforming a traditionally overlooked space into a focal point for community resilience and interaction. For an in-depth understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that underscore this innovative project, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation. This exploration will provide valuable insights into the architectural ideas that shape SUBTERRA, revealing how contemporary design can respond to historical context and social needs.
