FUTURE SCHOOL FOR UKRAINE

Finalist competition project. Web-site of competition. 
Created in collaboration with the Latvian architectural bureau SARMA NORDE ARCHITECTS.
Architects from Peker & Partners: Pavlo Peker, Anastasiia Konotopenko, Anton Stepanov, Olena Ovchar.
Architects from SARMA NORDE ARCHITECTS: Visvaldis Sarma, Elvijs Sprudzāns, Evija Dansone, Guntars Gailītis.
Completed in 2024.

The Future European School is committed to ensuring a smooth transition from an industrial economy to a knowledge economy, where the concept of human sustainability is essential for success. Human sustainability emphasizes values over imagined stories of success, respect over competition, and knowledge over power. The School stands as a crucial part of this larger framework, being adaptable to specific needs and geographies while steadfast in its values and predictable in Future.


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Adaptability concept is based on a module system where each volume is physically and programmatically self-sufficient entity connected through the central volume consisting of major public spaces - Core.
Connections are established in a way where access to each of the modules can be limited at any given time, enabling flexible use of facilities for public purposes and different event scenarios.
Core itself contains all the functions that may deemed neccessary for public use, thus going further than simply providing separate access to community premises and rather becoming a community centre as a whole.
Public library, event hall, medical rehabiliation centre, soup kitchen and designated community premises offer a great possiblity to extend building’s usage beyond school needs.

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Each module has its main stairwell zone which is met by a linear connection zone on Core volume’s ends, providing shared, flexible connection hubs (both horizontal and vertical) betwen modules.
Such a configuration allows each module to be connected in various ways, taking into account plot limitations and topography. Modules can slide along connection zones creating variable overall volume widths and interior courtyard spaces. Depending on plot configuration and sun orientation, volumes can also be rotated according to specific needs of room programme inside of them. And, lastly, coincident communication zones and scattered volume composition allow adjusting volume to terrain, introducing staircases, elevators and ramps (for overcoming slight height differences) in the span of linear communication zones.
Established ruleset of modularity principles as
well as design language that arises from those rules, provide complete programmatical freedom where volume responds to functional changes while retaining the same compositional and design principles.
Should the programme, for example, require more classrooms, less sports facilities or no dormitory block at all, such changes can be easily introduced into provided modular system.

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Concept of modularity is further expanded into building’s structure - both interior and exterior. The proposal is based on pre-fabricated concrete panels (structural interior panels, structural insulated facade panels and hollow slab panels) - a solution which in current situation might be deemed the most feasible, taking into account production and assembly benefits, as well as costs and resource management associated with reduced labour involved in the process. Sustainiablity factor is also a major factor in choosing prefabricated concrete elements, considering wast amounts of concrete rubble available for recycling.
The structural solution of the panel is straightforward and feasible for exectution in other materials as well. Looking into future sustainability strategies, timber material can easily be adapted without modifying proposed design and structural principles.
Currently, following the fire safety norms, different types of finish materials on top of concrete allow design adaptation for local cultural perception and climate related needs.
The proposal offers not a specific design solution, but rather strives to create an argumented design language, following which, design iterations of concrete panel units can make the visual image of the building signifcantly different to previous adaptations, thus avoiding repetitive architecture in single area.

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Geometric design variations of the module depend on sky orientation and functional zone. Northern part of the building consists of panels that have minimum extrusions. For east and west sides regular sized overhangs are designed to shade windows during midday hours. For southern side additional balcony type elements are foreseen to provide passive protection from the sun during the most intense solar energy season and hours, while also creating an option to have outdoor spaces for certain types of classrooms and cosy cantilevers for entrance zones and sheltered outdoor recreational spaces.
Facade base module is designed considering functional requirements of school premises - an optimum width of 4 m is foreseen with double window openings in this span allowing flexible plan layouts.
Regular classroom windows are designed according to Ukrainian norms requiring 800 mm high windowsills.
Further module design iterations are crafted with different details, glazed area proportions and distinctive articulation for certain zones or ground level.

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Some of the key sustainablity aspects lie in atrium based room layout. Not only atriums create cosy spaces and visual connection throughout all levels, it also provides natural chimney effect which, combined with HVAC and fire safety systems can be used to cool interior spaces on hot days, as well as provide fresh outdoor air.
In order to limit direct sunlight through skylights, structures are placed over the openings with solar panels as shading surfaces. At the back of each such module block is a raised part of the structure which conveniently provides space for tehnical equipment seamlessly integrating such spaces into building's design.

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