Author:
Mariia Kucova
At the request of the "Voices of Children" Charitable Foundation, the AIMM architectural bureau has developed a draft design for a Rehabilitation Center that is planned to be built in Dzvinkove, Kyiv region (oblast). The facility will provide psychosocial support to families with children who have suffered traumatic events.
Teenagers from the Children's Creative Council of the Foundation (CCC) were involved in the visualization of the Rehabilitation Center.
At first, we didn't understand at all how we could come up with anything if we weren't professional architects, but then we came up with a billion ideas. I think that such surveys and their consideration are a great tool to fully involve teenagers in the process and make the space as comfortable as possible,
shared Veronica Sheldagaeva, head of the CCC.
shared Veronica Sheldagaeva, head of the CCC.
The children have specific desires for the Rehabilitation Center. They want it to have high sensory features to help them navigate the space easily. It should also be equipped with elevators and wheelchair ramps for accessibility. Additionally, they envision underground shelters with fully functional activity rooms, a separate space dedicated to books, an outdoor kitchen, a treehouse with cozy blankets, board games, and even a resident cat.
The idea of creating our own place where we can conduct all our psychosocial and rehabilitation programs has been on our minds for a long time. From our experience around the world, we have realized that for rehabilitation, not only trained staff and program content are important, but also the appropriate space,
said Olena Rozvadovska, head of the "Voices of Children" Foundation.
said Olena Rozvadovska, head of the "Voices of Children" Foundation.
As a result of a tender held in early 2024, the AIMM architectural bureau was selected as the general designer. Among the bureau’s most famous projects is the reconstruction of the “Zhovten” cinema in Kyiv, cardiology hospital in Briukhovychi, the M3 Business Center, etc.
“No project for children without children” — with this motto in mind, we laid the foundation for our design process. The AIMM team organized an online children’s hackathon with future young residents, where children presented their ideas and visions. Although this is not the first "children's" project in our history, Dzvinkove has become a unique challenge. Not as architects, but as adults to allow ourselves to become a child again: to get lost in labyrinthine corridors or come up with a system of climbing structures between parts of the building; to create a "shack" for solitude or a creative space without sharp corners,
said Anna Isquierdo, co-founder and creative director of AIMM.
said Anna Isquierdo, co-founder and creative director of AIMM.
In addition to the main and administrative buildings, the Center will include a sports complex, an outdoor kitchen, a covered amphitheater, animal place, as well as gazebos and playgrounds. The concept of the architectural project implements 5 main principles:
- "self-contained" environment;
- adaptability and variability;
- child-centeredness;
- safety;
- inclusiveness.
Ukrainian developer Alterra Group, known for the “Sens” bookstore on Khreshchatyk and the Formatsia Industrial Park in Lviv, is also involved in the implementation of the project — from concept creation to commissioning. The company will provide consultations on the selection of contractors, planning and technical solutions, as well as support in the implementation of construction, repair and restoration work.
Such partnerships are, especially now, about corporate responsibility. We sincerely believe that everyone needs to make their own contribution to socially important projects and the development of the country's economy. In addition, it is an opportunity to unite specialists from different industries and companies, which leads to innovative solutions, effective use of resources and the creation of reliable projects. The ones that have an impact and meaning for society and help those who really need it,
said Victoria Kovalchuk, co-founder and COO of Alterra Group.
said Victoria Kovalchuk, co-founder and COO of Alterra Group.
The construction of the Rehabilitation Center was partially financed by the Bandle for Ukraine, charity initiative, and in the future "Voices of Children" will look for new donors.
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