Kyiv Polytechnic Institute presents Ukraine’s first coworking shelter

The first smart shelter in Ukraine was built in the book library of the Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute.

What is the problem?

Due to constant Russian missile and drone attacks, many Ukrainian educational institutions operate remotely. Yet, not all of them can provide reliable shelter for students.

What is the solution?

The institute decided to create an innovative shelter to ensure a continuous educational process in Ukraine.

The project was developed by architect Pavlo Pecker, who has experience with similar projects in Iraq and Libya. He says it is vital to encourage young people to stay in the country, to give them meaning and create conditions for this.

"This project is a symbiosis of a shelter built in accordance with the norms and a coworking space with smart zoning, where you can study, listen to lectures, hold seminars."

How does it work?

The modern, safe space for studying and student events combines the functions of a shelter and coworking. The idea took over a year to implement.

The space is a constructor that solves any business problem.

Engineers completely renovated the ventilation system, installed armored glass, acoustic panels, an autonomous power supply, etc.

The construction lasted about five months and cost 400,000 dollars.

Inside are lounges, online meeting rooms, reading rooms, a play area, a cafeteria, inclusive restrooms and showers.

The space can accommodate about 500 people. The entire infrastructure, including the ventilation system, is designed for a long stay.

"Thanks to a diesel generator and autonomous ventilation, air conditioning, and heating systems, the space will be comfortable."

The designers say that comfort and barrier-free accessibility were priorities for continuous learning during the war.

The organizers plan to scale up the idea of smart-shelters to open similar spaces in other Ukrainian universities.