The Norman Foster Foundation announces Kharkiv Housing Challenge winners

Jury feedback summary: "This project focuses on reinforcing buildings with locally manufactured recycled materials, enhancing security, accessibility, and thermal insulation while expanding living spaces with winter gardens and terraces. It integrates sustainability by considering material reuse, water collection, and energy efficiency, with modular solutions that allow for flexibility based on the terrain. Public spaces are integrated with canopy structures for rainwater harvesting and green space preservation. The proposal emphasizes social cohesion and healing, reflecting a community-centered approach to reconstruction that involves local suppliers while addressing emotional and cultural recovery."

2nd Prize Winner: 'Blooming Towards The Sun' by Zigeng Wang, China

Jury feedback summary: "The project offers a comprehensive approach to addressing the architectural, economic, social, and cultural challenges of reconstruction. By integrating architecture with agriculture, the project focuses on creating spaces for sunflower cultivation, a symbol of Ukrainian identity, to promote self-sufficiency and food security. It proposes various interventions based on the extent of building damage, incorporating fragments of destroyed structures into public spaces as a reminder of resilience. The design extends housing with new facades, adds planting balconies, and includes community facilities like a library and planting areas. It also addresses water management, modular systems, and construction sequence, with a focus on rebuilding Kharkiv’s community and resilience."

3rd Prize Winner: 'Modus Vita' by Melek Serra Saral, Oleksandr Kinash, Didem Arman and Elif Ilgin, Yıldız Technical University, Turkey

Jury feedback summary: "This project proposes a modular system for underground shelters using high-strength concrete panels, allowing flexible use for public events in peacetime and shelter during conflict. In public areas, partially preserved existing structures and modular additions will support social and commercial interaction, particularly near roadways or public transport. A multilayer insulation system will enhance the energy efficiency of residential facades, and damaged building sections will be replaced with standardized factory-made blocks for continued habitation or conversion into public spaces. The approach balances restoration with adaptability while addressing both residential and community needs."

The Honorable Mention proposals can be viewed in the gallery below.