In this studio, we looked worldwide and focused on humanitarian injustices across many borders. I studied and decided to create my project on the ongoing Russian/Ukrainian War in Eastern Europe.
I came up with the construction of a community center and housing complex dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees. I settled on a plaza located near the U.S. embassy, a Ukrainian children’s school, and a central shopping center in Warsaw, Poland. This is the capital of Poland where most of the refugees would flee compared to the rest of Europe. By recognizing the pressing need for shelter, employment, and community, the project aimed to provide a comprehensive and semi-permanent solution.
The housing complex includes a variety of apartments tailored to accommodate displaced Ukrainians, offering them a secure and welcoming environment. On the ground floor, shops and businesses that are related to Ukrainian culture and food were established to generate employment opportunities, foster economic independence for the residents, and allow the Polish community to interact with the Refugees.
Central to the initiative is the community center, designed as a hub for social interaction and support. This space provides connections among the Ukrainian refugees and encourages integration with the local Polish community. The center promotes cultural exchange, language learning, and mutual understanding through various programs and events. By combining housing solutions with economic opportunities and community-building initiatives, this project serves as a semi-permanent solution and hope for Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw, addressing their immediate needs and fostering a sense of belonging in their new environment.