Architecture project // A Modular Approach to Post-War Living

A Modular Approach to Post-War Living

Authors:

Jihoon Kim,

Ka Heun Hyun,

Yun Jeong Han

Set within the context of Kharkiv’s post-conflict recovery, the proposal addresses urgent housing needs through a modular and adaptive approach. By incorporating reused materials and rethinking spatial organization, the design supports both individual well-being and collective resilience in a rapidly changing urban landscape.

5 key facts about this project

Constructed from repurposed war debris, fostering environmental sustainability.

Features gabion walls that reinforce structures and symbolize community resilience.

Incorporates flexible living units to accommodate various family configurations.

Integrates bomb shelters within communal areas for safety and functionality.

External corridors enhance accessibility and promote social interaction among residents.

General keywords

kharkiv housing recovery modular community public space balconies resilience adaptability shelters

Project specific keywords

gabion voids modularity external corridors war debris

Fragments to Foundations is an initiative supporting the post-conflict recovery of Kharkiv through the reuse of war debris to construct adaptable housing. Responding to the city's role as a hub of education and innovation, the project proposes a modular system capable of accommodating a range of household types, from individuals to extended families. The approach prioritizes flexibility, safety, and the reconstruction of community networks.

Spatial Reconfiguration and Communal Integration
Damaged apartment blocks are restructured by relocating building cores to the exterior, improving internal circulation and spatial efficiency. New external corridors enhance access, encourage interaction among residents, and include integrated bomb shelters, addressing both safety and social cohesion. Communal spaces are inserted into voids at the lower levels, serving as shared areas that foster engagement and support daily life.

Material Strategy and Environmental Control
Gabion walls composed of repurposed debris provide structural integrity while embedding the material legacy of the conflict into the built environment. Balconies are layered with curtains and sliding louver panels, offering users control over privacy, airflow, and daylight. The modular construction system allows for reconfiguration over time, supporting demographic shifts and evolving needs in a city undergoing long-term reconstruction.