The admission campaign is in full swing at the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUBA) – creative competitions for applicants began in early July. Among those taking exams this summer are Ukrainian defenders. In particular, veteran Vadym Honcharenko and several of his comrades have decided to enroll at KNUBA. They have chosen modern and sought-after specialties, such as architecture, industrial and civil engineering (ICE), physical education and sports (coaching), cybersecurity, as well as a field to which the university pays special attention – ecology and environmental protection technologies (EPT). According to the veterans, they understand the importance of higher education and retraining: new knowledge will help them join the great reconstruction of the country and find themselves in a peaceful life. Vadym Honcharenko, who uses a wheelchair, notes that continuing his education is both a challenge and an opportunity for him. For the university and the Ukrainian Veterans Cluster, this case highlights the relevance of accessibility issues: they are now jointly seeking funding to adapt the educational space to the needs of students with disabilities.
“The war will end sooner or later, but education and reconstruction will definitely continue. We need to prepare for this now,” said Natalia Goncharenko, head of the Ukrainian Veterans Cluster, quoting a well-known opinion about the inevitability of peace and development. As the leader of a veterans’ organization, she emphasizes the need to invest in veterans’ knowledge today. Natalia added that the admission campaign is ongoing, and those who wish to obtain a master’s degree on a budgetary basis still have a chance to submit their documents—the state and partners provide separate funding opportunities for veterans. Thanks to the efforts of the Veterans Cluster and KNUBA, with the support of business partners, a program of special scholarships for veterans and their families has already been launched. The first benefactor of this initiative was Axor Industry. At a recent event dedicated to the launch of the Re:Veterans Platform reintegration program, Axor’s Deputy Marketing Director Olena Krekina presented a program of cooperation between employers on internships and employment for veterans. As a stakeholder representative, Olena is preparing to teach at the university starting next academic year in order to directly share her experience with veteran students.
These innovations are being implemented in line with the state policy of supporting defenders. On July 11, KNUBA and the Ministry of Veterans Affairs signed a memorandum of cooperation that expands opportunities for training and professional adaptation for veterans in Ukraine. “For the university, the veteran program is a response to one of the main challenges facing the country. We help veterans gain a new profession and return to civilian life with relevant knowledge and skills,” said KNUBA Rector Oleksii Dniprov. According to Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs Yulia Kirillova, combatants and their families can now obtain a master’s degree at KNUBA free of charge, as well as obtain another specialty based on a previously obtained diploma. In addition, veterans and their children can study at colleges affiliated with the university under a state program (CMU Resolution No. 432). For its part, the university provides the Ministry with expert support in creating a modern infrastructure for veterans. In particular, specialists from KNUBA and the Institute for the Reintegration of Veterans “Architecture of Resilience” are involved in developing the concept of “veteran spaces” — a network of multifunctional support centers for veterans and their families. It should be noted that KNUBA students who are children of veterans are already eligible for compensation for one year of study. All these steps are designed to ensure a smooth transition from military service to a successful civilian career for our defenders.
Veteran reintegration: employment and entrepreneurship after the war
The Ukrainian Veterans Cluster emphasizes that the most important result of all educational initiatives is a veteran (and their family) who is employed or a veteran entrepreneur who has started their own business. The goal is not only to obtain a diploma, but also to enable defenders to become economically independent and successful in peaceful life. Global experience confirms that the integration of veterans into the economy through education, work, or entrepreneurship gives a powerful impetus to the development of a country.
“Veterans are not only a force that protects, but also a force that builds,” emphasizes Axor, a company that supports veteran initiatives. The main task is to help defenders realize their potential in peaceful life. In Ukraine, this philosophy is already being implemented through retraining programs, partnerships with businesses, and support for entrepreneurship among former military personnel. After all, every veteran who finds employment or starts a successful business is not only a personal victory for the soldier, but also a contribution to the sustainable development and recovery of the country.
KNUBA presented the best of 300 architectural concepts for the Medvynska community in the Kyiv region, ranging from the renovation of existing buildings to visions for future public spaces. The work was carried out by students under the guidance of Tetyana Ladan, associate professor at the Department of Fundamentals of Architecture and Architectural Design at KNUBA. This was announced by Rector Oleksii Dniprov.
“Each of the concepts presented is part of a comprehensive spatial strategy, executed in a unified style and logic. I am convinced that these projects can be implemented in practice. This confirms one of our key missions – to participate in the reconstruction of Ukraine in cooperation with communities,” said Oleksii Dniprov.
He added that the projects were the result of a partnership between the university and the community, which was formalized in a memorandum.
The conceptual projects presented relate to both new architectural solutions and the transformation of existing facilities. Some of them were presented in VR format.
“300 conceptual projects are a significant contribution to the development of the Medvyn community’s development strategy and spatial planning. I am grateful to the students, teachers, and everyone who participated in this process. The Medvyn community is open to change, and we are ready to move forward together,” said Ignatius Sergienko, head of the Medvyn community.
Below are five concepts that reflect the implementation of the community’s urgent needs.
Modular medical facility in the village of Medvyn – the “Beehive” concept
The concept provides for a convenient modular layout with compact rooms for doctor consultations, physiotherapy procedures, and a day hospital. An X-ray room, laboratories, and other necessary facilities are also provided.
The penthouses have mezzanines and skylights in the pyramid roofs. The rooms also have open terraces with pergolas for sun protection.
The roof has space for a café-restaurant, connected to open terraces and therapeutic gardens.
The residential blocks are designed for 1 or 2 visitors and can be used to accommodate doctors invited to consult with community residents.
The basement can accommodate 50 people and can be converted into a multipurpose space that can also be used as a shelter. The site has parking and convenient access to emergency medical services.
Modular outpatient clinic on Oleksandra Vasylenka Street in the village of Medvyn
1 – new general family medicine clinic, 2 – renovation of the old clinic into a rehabilitation center, 3 – Sunday school, 4 – visitor parking, 5 – ambulance parking.
Authors: architects, associate professors at KNUBA – Tetiana Ladan, Iryna Novosad, with the participation of Vladyslava Shevtsova, a student at the Department of Fundamentals of Architecture and Architectural Design.
Reconstruction of a school in the village of Shcherbashyntsi into a rehabilitation center – the “P’yatitsvit” concept
The concept involves insulating the facades, redesigning the premises for residential use, and dividing the master plan into five zones, like five petals: a playground, an area for active games (volleyball, tennis), a quiet area for elderly people to relax with tables for board games, a cherry orchard, barrier-free vegetable gardens accessible to people in wheelchairs. An amphitheater, a hairdresser’s, gazebos, and an apiary complete the cozy ecosystem for restoring strength and energy.
Schematic plan of the school’s reconstruction into a rehabilitation center at 1 Kvitneva Street in the village of Shcherbashyntsi
1 – rehabilitation center, 2 – hairdresser, 3 – parking lot, 4 – turning area for vehicles, 5 – symbolic place, 6 – gazebo, 7 – barrier-free vegetable gardens, 8 – young cherry orchard, 9 – volleyball and tennis court, 10 – playground, 11 – flower garden, 12 – sports ground with exercise equipment; 13 – common area, 14 – place for walking animals, 15 – amphitheater, 16 – old tree garden, 17 – area with tables for board games, 18 – apiary.
Authors: Tetiana Ladan, student of the Department of Theory of Architecture and Architectural Design, Artem Tmenov.
Stele at the entrance to the village of Huta and transport stops – concept “Perekotypole”
The stele attracts tourists to a quest – “find the letters of the alphabet.” The structure is kinetic, and the movement mechanism is powered by a solar panel.
Authors: Tetiana Ladan, student of the Department of Architectural Environment Design Anton Fesik.
The letters “Г”, “У”, ‘Т’, and “А” form the basis of the three-dimensional composition of the village bus stops. Uniform designs were used, which, with partial replacement of elements or reversal, can look like different objects. Lighting is powered by solar energy, and there is a possibility to charge gadgets. The roofs of the stops are proposed to be used for green gardens and the installation of solar panels.
Transport stops in the village of Huta
1 – kinetic stele at the entrance to the village of Huta, 2 – stop in the shape of the letter “G”, 3 – stop in the shape of the letter “U”, 4 – stop in the shape of the letter ‘T’, 5 – stop in the shape of the letter “A”, 6 – string transport track
Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Architectural Design of Civil Buildings and Structures Maria Korf, Polina Lomachuk, Viktoria Yermolaieva, Yelyzaveta Chepurna, student of the Department of Fundamentals of Architecture and Architectural Design Ksenia Taran.
Recreation area, festival venue, and health complex in the village of Medvyn – concept “Parade of Planets”
Near the Medvyn House of Culture, there are plans to build a terrace, a wave-shaped ramp, a terrace park with an alley of fountains, an open-air amphitheater, a playground, and a footbridge.
Recreation area on Shevchenko Street in the village of Medvyn
1 – cultural center, 2 – municipality, 3 – observation terrace, 4 – playground, 5 – footbridge, 6 – terrace park with an alley of fountains, 7 – amphitheater, 8 – skate park
Authors: Tetiana Ladan, student of the Department of Theory of Architecture and Architectural Design Alona Starostenko.
Below the relief, there is a fairground, a park for festivals and sports venues, a motel or themed houses on the slopes, integrated into the landscape with observation terraces.
Festival area on Shevchenko Street in the village of Medvyn
1 – main alley, 2 – house-note for musicians, 3 – creative house for artists, 4 – house-shuttlecock for coaches, 5 – gazebo, 6 – mini stadium, 7 – sports grounds, 8 – fountain, 9 – motel, 10 – shopping arcade, 11 – stage
Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Urban Planning – Polina Nechai, Yelyzaveta Voloshchuk.
The concept also includes the creation of a health complex in the village of Medvina, with a waterfall, a water channel with bridges, a spa complex, resort terrace houses with swimming pools and sports grounds, which can be reached along the channel by winding ramps.
Health complex in the direction of Mount Totokha and the Totokhavud tourist complex in the village of Medvina
1 – resort house, 2 – spa complex, 3 – sports area, 4 – water canal, 5 – park area, 6 – waterfall, 7 – parking, 8 – shelter.
Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Urban Planning Anastasia Haidaienko, Eva Kazakova, Vladislav Yakunin, Oleksandra Rozumna.
Tourist complex in the village of Medvini – the “Totohavud” concept
A location for festivals, fairs, and other events. Located near a local landmark – Totohava Mountain. The pavilions consist of lightweight modular structures that blend harmoniously into the natural environment.
There is a utility area, public restrooms, an open-air cinema, venues for special events, a pavilion-café, photo zones, a water canal, and parking. The pavilions are designed to resemble male and female silhouettes performing folk rituals such as round dances, spring songs, and haymaking.
Zoning of the territory near Mount Totokha:
1 – utility area, 2 – public restroom area, 3 – open-air cinema area, 4 – area for special events, 5 – area for food and souvenir pavilions, 6 – café pavilions, 7 – photo zones and recreation areas, 8 – water channel area, 9 – parking area, 10 – Mount Totokha area.
Authors: Tetiana Ladan, students of the Department of Architectural Environment Design Dmytro Ryabets, Nataliia Demchenko, with the participation of Aliona Starostenko, a student of the Department of Theory of Architecture and Architectural Design.
Information and graphic materials for the publication were kindly provided by the authors’ teams led by Tetiana Ladan.
The National University of Physical Education and Sports of Ukraine hosted an official presentation of the social project “NUPES with Respect to the Armed Forces of Ukraine”. This is an initiative aimed at supporting war veterans through sports rehabilitation, physical activity and inclusion in a healthy social environment.
The presentation was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine, the National Guard of Ukraine, the Veterans Cluster of Ukraine, the KNUBA Veterans Institute, veterans’ organizations, public initiatives, businesses, military personnel and the sports community.
The project makes it possible to purchase or give a veteran a special sports season ticket that includes
“We welcome the initiative of the NUFVSU, which combines professionalism, resources and decent treatment of veterans. Such projects are an example of how the state and educational institutions can create new models of support. The Ministry of Youth and Sports will continue to promote such initiatives,” said Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine Serhiy Tymofeev during the event.
Each component of the season ticket is designed as part of a holistic recovery process. It is not just access to sports infrastructure, but a professionally developed program with an individual approach to each participant.
“NUFVSU has always been a place where champions were brought up, but today we set ourselves another important goal: to be a place where life is restored. We have created not just a product – we have created a support format that combines professionalism, care and gratitude,” said Oleksandr Pyzhov, Acting Rector of NUFVSU.
Special attention is paid to physical rehabilitation classes. The first three sessions are not standard workouts, but an individual diagnosis of the veteran’s condition, professional support from a rehabilitation therapist, testing the level of stress and selecting a personal program according to the physical condition, combat experience, injuries or psychological stress.
“This is not a set of services. It is a structured support system created by professionals who understand the specifics of post-traumatic recovery. It is an opportunity to return to a person a sense of control over the body, rhythm, and space. And – over life,” explained Viktor Korzh, Director of the Training and Rehabilitation Center of the NUFVSU.
As for the gym classes, each of the 12 workouts involves the support of an adaptive sports specialist or rehabilitation therapist. The goal is not just to provide physical activity, but to develop basic movement skills, restore the musculoskeletal system, build confidence in one’s own body, improve coordination and strength.
“It is important for a veteran not only to receive help, but also to feel that it is thoughtful, professional, and worthy. This project demonstrates exactly this approach – when every element is aimed at real recovery, not a formality. We appreciate the partnership with the NUFVSU and believe in the power of such initiatives,” said Talia Zharova, Head of the Veterans Sports Department of the Physical and Mental Health Department of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs.
The program also provides 8 visits to the sports pool, which can be used for relaxation, aqua therapy or muscle tone recovery after injuries.
Business representatives, Gledfarm LTD, was the first to support the project and purchase 20 season tickets for veterans.
“It is a great honor for us to join the initiative that helps our defenders return to a full life. Physical rehabilitation is not only about health, it is about faith in the future and the strength of the community,” said Rajiv Gupta, CEO of Gledpharm Ltd.
Anyone can buy a certificate – a relative, a fellow veteran, an organization, employers or just a person who cares. It can be presented to a veteran you know or transferred through the system of coordinators to a veteran who has applied to the program.
Join the program or give a subscription to a veteran:
Telegram: +380 98 230 74 65
Phone: +380 66 547 11 26
Scientists from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA), together with partners, have launched an international project to create new concrete mixtures using waste, in particular, destroyed structures, for construction using 3D printing and traditional methods, according to the KNUCA press service.
The release states that as part of the project “Development of new approaches and construction materials for the restoration of Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure with consideration for environmental sustainability,” researchers are developing a concrete mixture with the addition of materials resulting from the destruction of buildings and other industrial and agricultural waste.
The restoration of housing in Ukraine requires the introduction of universal technologies for rapid construction that allow for the construction of sustainable and affordable buildings even in conditions of limited resources. Due to the war, many buildings in Ukraine have been destroyed. The remains of concrete structures can be effectively recycled and used for the construction of new housing. Compared to traditional construction methods, 3D printing of buildings can ensure faster construction rates, significantly reduce human resource use, and save materials and energy.
The project is co-funded by the US Office of Naval Research and the US National Science Foundation (NSF). The research is being conducted as part of the multilateral partnership initiative “International Multilateral Partnership for Ensuring the Sustainability of the Education and Science System in Ukraine (IMPRESS-U), launched by the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) of the US National Science Foundation with the participation of researchers from Stony Brook University in the US and the Jan and Jędrzej Sniadecki University of Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The project will last two years.
At KNUBA, the implementation of this project has been entrusted to lecturers, postgraduate students, and students of the Faculty of Construction and Technology, in particular, the Department of Building Materials and the Department of Building Structures and Products Technology.
Scientists from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA), together with partners, have begun implementing an international project to create new concrete mixtures using waste, in particular, destroyed structures, for construction using 3D printing and traditional methods, according to the KNUCA press service.
The release states that as part of the project “Development of new approaches and construction materials for the restoration of Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure with consideration for environmental sustainability,” researchers are developing a concrete mixture with the addition of materials resulting from the destruction of buildings and other industrial and agricultural waste.
The restoration of housing in Ukraine requires the introduction of universal rapid construction technologies that allow for the construction of sustainable and affordable buildings even in conditions of limited resources. Due to the war, many buildings in Ukraine have been destroyed. The remains of concrete structures can be effectively recycled and used for the construction of new housing. Compared to traditional construction methods, 3D printing of buildings can ensure faster construction rates, significantly less use of human resources, and savings in materials and energy.
The project is co-funded by the US Office of Naval Research and the US National Science Foundation (NSF). The research is being conducted as part of the multilateral partnership initiative ” International Multilateral Partnership for Ensuring the Sustainability of the Education and Science System in Ukraine (IMPRESS-U),” initiated by the Office of International Science and Engineering (OISE) of the US National Science Foundation with the involvement of researchers from Stony Brook University in the US and the Jan and Jędrzej Śniadecki University of Technology in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
The project will last two years. At KNUBA, the implementation of this project is entrusted to teachers, graduate students, and students of the Faculty of Construction and Technology, in particular, the Department of Building Materials and the Department of Building Structures and Products Technology.
Ukraine is actively creating support centers for soldiers returning from the front. “The Architecture of Resilience has become one of these places where veterans receive comprehensive assistance: from physical and psychological rehabilitation to acquiring new professional skills. Businesses play an important role in supporting these initiatives, and Grifon is one of the brands that help create comfortable conditions for the training and development of defenders.
The Ukrainian brand Grifon recently donated modern TVs for the classrooms of the Institute of Reintegration, Rehabilitation and Professional Development “Architecture of Resilience” at the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUBA). The TVs were donated by the brand’s ambassador, renowned chef Alik Mkrtchyan. Thanks to the new equipment, veterans will not only be able to access online lectures, trainings and webinars, but also use it for interactive classes and presentations. This opens up new opportunities for learning, professional development and adaptation to civilian life. Supporting veterans is not just a gesture of gratitude, but a real help to those who defended the country. For Grifon, this is a natural extension of the company’s philosophy of “Protection for our own”. Investing in their education and professional growth is an investment in the stable future of Ukraine.
The challenges of adapting to civilian life are becoming more and more urgent as the number of veterans in Ukraine grows. It is important not only to support them physically, but also to help them find themselves in new professions. The Architecture of Resilience Institute provides an opportunity to acquire new skills, improve qualifications, receive legal advice and support in finding employment.
