BOBRYK SCHOOL TRANSFORMATION

Bobryk Gymnasium, a small yet ambitious educational institution in the Kyiv region, survived the Russian occupation and sustained serious damage. The school community quickly rallied to repair the windows, walls, and lighting. However, the team aspired to more than merely restoring the old school. It became a participant in the EdCamp project, which focuses on qualitative changes in educational processes and involves transforming school spaces. The initiative was rooted in participatory design principles from the start. In contemporary education, time between classes is as significant as formal instruction. Communication, active leisure, and opportunities to relax and reorganize thoughts are crucial for children. This project centers on the school's two main common spaces: the lobby and the dining room. The lobby features several functional zones, including an amphitheater with soft surfaces and pillows, furniture niches with shelves for books and games, a long table by the windows for reading or homework, and interactive surfaces on the walls and columns for collective drawings. The dining room, designed to encourage communication and bonding, offers a bright and cozy space where students can sit together as a class or enjoy a snack during breaks. This environment promotes balanced, regular meals and fosters idea exchange between classes. The project also reimagines the former stage area, creating an amphitheater that complements the hall's design and adding a new window to introduce natural light. Colorful zones provide various seating options, with a bright color scheme that invigorates without overwhelming.