Ne(x)st, a visionary educational space, UKR
Inside, the school pulses with the rhythm of flexibility and adaptability, with movable walls and versatile spaces that cater to the diverse needs of modern education. Inside and out, the school shares its space with the surrounding community. The school itself is suspended above the ground in a kind of jewel box. Like a nest, it allows education to unfold beyond the constraints of the external world. Beneath it all lies a shelter. When not in use as such, in hopes it will never be needed again, it serves as a community space that can host meetings and celebrations. It connects to the sports halls and the amphitheater. As daylight fades and the school closes, these spaces open up to the nearby community to host sports activities, public matches, and gatherings for conferences, performances, and theater plays. Our project proposes this profound relationship between the protected academic world inside the school and the political, sporting, and cultural life outside, all while preserving the integrity of each. Nature is not just a backdrop but an integral part of our design, with ample natural light, green roofs, and outdoor learning environments inviting students to connect with the world around them. And amidst it all, communal spaces on the ground floor serve as vibrant hubs of activity, fostering collaboration and community engagement. Cultural sensitivity is woven into the fabric of our design, with nods to traditional Ukrainian crafts and neutral yet welcoming aesthetics that celebrate our diverse community. In Ne(x)st, education isn’t just about imparting knowledge; it’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit in a space that’s as inspiring as it is functional, as rooted in history as it is poised for the future.