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The Kharkiv Housing Challenge has successfully concluded, presenting innovative solutions for rebuilding Ukraine’s war-damaged city of Kharkiv. As part of the larger Kharkiv Masterplan, this competition called for modular retrofitting systems for concrete housing blocks and revitalized public spaces, aiming to improve safety, energy efficiency, and community life.
The 1st prize was awarded to Andrew James Jackson from the UK (Cundall), in collaboration with John Edward Badman (Gensler), for their design focusing on reinforcing buildings with locally recycled materials, improving accessibility, and expanding spaces with winter gardens. The project integrates sustainability through modular solutions adaptable to different terrains and enhances public spaces with green areas and rainwater-harvesting canopies, fostering social cohesion and community healing.
The 2nd prize went to Zigeng Wang from China, whose design combined architecture with agriculture, proposing sunflower cultivation to promote food security and self-sufficiency. The project emphasizes community resilience and integrates destroyed building fragments into public spaces, while expanding housing with planting balconies and community areas.
The 3rd prize was awarded to Melek Serra Saral, Oleksandr Kinash, Didem Arman, and Elif Ilgin from Turkey. Their proposal featured modular underground shelters for public use and safety during conflict, with a focus on adaptability and energy-efficient residential facades. The design allows for flexible use of public spaces while maintaining a balance between restoration and innovation.
For more details on all honorable mentions and shortlisted projects, please visit https://architecturecompetitions.com/kharkivhousingchallenge/
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1st prize
2nd prize
3rd prize
