balbek bureau develops RE: UKRAINE, a modular town system for refugees

RE: UKRAINE ensureS temporary but decent living FOR REFUGEES

kyiv-based architecture and design studio balbek bureau has developed RE: UKRAINE, a modular town system for refugees that can be adapted to different types of terrain, landforms, and settlement density. after analyzing more than 20 implemented temporary housing projects in different countries, the studio came up with a construction kit that can be applied at both public and private levels.

‘the main task that we set for ourselves is to maintain a decent lifestyle,’ notes balbek bureau. ‘we must ensure usual and healthy lifestyle and decent conditions in the temporary residence of ukrainians who lost their homes. it is possible to take away a person’s house, but it is impossible to do it with a person’s dignity.’all images courtesy of balbek bureau

balbek bureau’s flexible town system

‘according to the UN, more than 10 million ukrainians have already been forced to flee their homes since the start of russia’s full-scale war against ukraine,’ says balbek bureau.‘with this in mind, our team has developed the RE: UKRAINE modular town system for refugees.’ the kyiv-based studio‘s main task has been to help displaced ukrainians maintain a decent lifestyle even in such temporary residences through a system of values and priorities.

the size of a residential block in RE: UKRAINE determines the size of all other design units. ‘this size is universal, so you can build a town from any offered blocks that meet specific requirements,’ explains the studio. the residential areas can be scaled up according to specific needs, while the flexibility of the system allows users to adapt the schematic grid of buildings for plots of different configurations and terrain. the modules include sanitary units, fully equipped kitchens, baby care rooms and laundries so that residents do not experience any restrictions or lack of auxiliary zones. in addition, zones for public rooms, community centers, and squares throughout the masterplan ensure settlers can socialize with each other. for the construction, the team suggests using a wooden-frame system, while according to preliminary estimates, the project implementation cost is about 350-550 dollars/sqm. future steps include collecting data and working with partners, presenting the project at the state level, attracting investment for implementation, and locating and analyzing possible construction sites.

the system allows users to adapt the schematic grid of buildings for plots of different configurations and terrain