Architecture News

In a compelling display of architectural innovation and social responsibility, Office for Future has reimagined a disused school in Stavyshche, Ukraine, into a vibrant residential hub. This ambitious project, named "Dvir – The Shared Courtyard," is designed to provide much-needed housing for 42 families uprooted by the ongoing conflict. Developed in collaboration with the Charity Foundation Housing for IDP, the initiative spans approximately 1,900 square meters, delivering a diverse range of 42 apartments, complemented by 200 square meters of shared indoor facilities. The transformation seamlessly blends the original building's integrity with modern timber constructions, significant energy efficiency improvements, and the conversion of a previously asphalt-covered courtyard into a lush, permeable green space, aiming to create a supportive and sustainable living environment.

For many decades, the school building was a prominent local landmark, educating generations of students. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, the project thoughtfully preserves and reconfigures the existing framework to accommodate its new residential purpose. It introduces a variety of apartment types, from compact studios to spacious three-bedroom units, including fully accessible options for individuals with disabilities. Beyond individual living spaces, the complex features ample communal areas, children's play zones, and meeting rooms. These shared spaces are not only for residents but are also designed to host cultural activities and events, thereby fostering a stronger connection with the broader Stavyshche community and honoring the building's historical role as a gathering place.

The architectural strategy involves precise modifications to the existing edifice. Strategic demolitions have been executed to optimize interior layouts and enhance spatial efficiency, facilitating the creation of distinct living units. Access to these apartments is provided via a new, independent timber walkway, adding a contemporary element to the renovated structure. A significant upgrade includes the installation of a new timber roof, which integrates approximately 800 square meters of photovoltaic panels, marking a substantial step towards energy self-sufficiency. Furthermore, the building's exterior envelope has undergone a comprehensive energy retrofit, significantly improving its thermal performance and reducing its environmental footprint.

The outdoor areas have also seen a dramatic overhaul. Roughly 850 square meters of the former asphalt courtyard have been removed and replaced with permeable landscaping, transforming it into an inviting green space. Sections of the original paving have been thoughtfully repurposed as pedestrian pathways, weaving through the garden and connecting the residential building with this revitalized communal outdoor area. This design approach cultivates a residential micro-community that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding town. The shared courtyard and indoor facilities offer residents spaces for social interaction, and their planned use for public activities ensures the former school continues to serve as a vital community asset, reinforcing its historical and social significance.

The "Dvir – The Shared Courtyard" project represents the third such initiative in Ukraine spearheaded by the Charity Foundation Housing for IDP. Under the guidance of Office for Future, based in Florence and Lausanne, this project exemplifies a holistic approach to adaptive reuse, combining new timber construction, energy modernization, and landscape revitalization within an existing framework. The 42 apartments are specifically designed to house displaced families, ensuring the building not only provides shelter but also maintains its identity as a communal focal point within Stavyshche. This project underscores Office for Future's commitment to leveraging a building's existing presence and collective memory as foundational elements in its conversion strategy.

This initiative is part of a broader global effort to address housing crises and displacement. Similar projects include Ukraine's "Pool of Questions" pavilion at the 20th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia, presented by CO-HATY. This volunteer initiative focuses on renovating abandoned structures into housing for internally displaced persons, raising fundamental questions about not just where displaced individuals can reside, but how they can begin to reconstruct their daily lives. In a different context, the Balearic Social Housing Model received the 2026 OBEL Award for its innovative reforms in social housing administration. Additionally, OMA and Y.A. Studio's 730 Stanyan development in San Francisco offers 160 permanently affordable homes for low-income and formerly unhoused households, including Transitional Age Youth. These projects collectively highlight a growing recognition of the need for adaptable, community-focused, and sustainable housing solutions in response to contemporary challenges.

Revolutionizing Urban Interaction: MALBA's Subterranean Transformation

Celebrating a Milestone: MALBA's 25th Anniversary and Visionary Expansion

In conjunction with its 25th anniversary festivities, the Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires (MALBA) has officially announced a substantial underground expansion beneath Plaza Perú. This ambitious undertaking, which will effectively double the museum's display capabilities, marks a pivotal moment in its history. The renowned Taller Frida Escobedo, with offices in New York and Mexico City, has been selected to spearhead this transformative project. The studio unveiled its designs during the anniversary gala, highlighting its expertise in cultural architecture, as evidenced by its involvement in the renovation of the Centre Pompidou and a new wing for the Met Museum in New York.

Expanding Horizons: New Spaces and Enhanced Connectivity

The planned expansion for MALBA introduces a wealth of new facilities, including additional temporary exhibition halls, a modern auditorium, versatile multipurpose areas, an inviting outdoor plaza-courtyard, dedicated workshops, ample storage spaces, and streamlined offices. This comprehensive development is projected to conclude by late 2029 or early 2030, promising a new era for the institution.

Reimagining the Museum's Role: A Narrative of Growth and Community Engagement

Frida Escobedo Studio's conceptual approach to the project is rooted in MALBA's evolution: from a private collection to a vibrant institution that has progressively broadened its scope to encompass film, literature, education, and various public programs. The core objective of this expansion is to fundamentally alter how the museum interacts with Buenos Aires, encouraging new modes of visitation and engagement. The impetus for this growth also stems from the recent acquisition of the Daros Latinamerica Collection, enriching MALBA's holdings with significant Latin American art from the latter half of the twentieth century and contemporary works. This expansion is not merely about increasing physical space; it's an opportunity to holistically revitalize the museum, integrating existing areas to foster program development and strengthen its connection with the adjacent Plaza República del Perú.

Harmonizing with the City: An Underground Design Strategy

The current MALBA edifice lacks a cohesive relationship with its immediate urban surroundings. By opting for an underground expansion beneath the plaza, the design ingeniously avoids encroaching upon the park's green space while imbuing MALBA with a novel urban dimension. This subterranean strategy promises to culturally animate the plaza and redefine the museum's presence. Furthermore, the entire perimeter of the building will undergo a metamorphosis to foster greater accessibility and interaction with the street. The introduction of a new sculpture garden, a central courtyard, fresh entry points, and improved links with Plaza República del Perú will enable visitors to approach the museum from diverse directions, seamlessly intertwining the existing structure, the new extension, and the park.

Optimizing Flow and Functionality: A Unified Cultural Experience

The intervention commences with the strategic clearance of the building's central core, currently constrained by the diverse and intense activities housed within. This space will extend downwards into the subsoil, creating a direct link between the original building and the new extension. This design choice liberates the central area for communal gatherings, efficient circulation, and innovative displays. The overarching aim is to establish a seamless narrative that connects MALBA's varied cultural offerings. The new exhibition halls are conceived to coexist harmoniously with dedicated spaces for film, literary events, educational initiatives, and public outreach programs. The auditorium and multipurpose areas are designed with dual functionality, allowing for continuous access as part of a visitor's journey or independent operation, facilitating screenings, talks, educational workshops, or events outside regular hours, thereby broadening the museum's cultural footprint in the city.