For a War-Torn Region, This Modular Building Serves as a Community Haven

Since February, Ukraine has been devastated by war, with countless homes and schools destroyed and millions displaced. In response to the ongoing crisis, Kiev-based studio Zikzak has developed Revival, a modular building system inspired by the shipping-container typology. “People need medical care, education, and a place to live. . .right now,” Zikzak architect Nick Zykh says. “Yet it typically takes at least a year to construct those structures. Our task is to rebuild Ukraine faster because people want to return to life today.”

Revival’s concept employs prefabricated, portable “blocks” to create schools for up to 500 migrant students. Prototypes of the blocks range from 10 to 30 square feet and feature exterior walls of hot-rolled steel, painted patriotic blue and yellow. The modular floor, wall, and ceiling plates are aluminum insulated with mineral wool and reinforced with concrete. Blocks can be stacked up to three stories high, arranged in a U shape with sliding-glass doors opening to a courtyard, or topped with a roof garden. Zikzak envisions Revival to extend to emergency and long-term housing, university dormitories, and health centers—in times of war and peace.