The Lab - Research Centre for Agricultural Innovation
I cannot remember when I did not dream of becoming an architect. Choosing this career happened naturally, and now I am celebrating my graduation from the MArch program, which is another important step in that direction.
As a Ukrainian, I am particularly interested in exploring the connections between politics, war, and architecture. It fascinates me how powerful reinforced concrete— the most popular material among Soviet modernists and brutalists—has been in both protecting and endangering civilians during times of conflict. Since moving to the UK, I have started investigating brick as a multifunctional material that serves both load-bearing and decorative purposes. The current climate emergency raises essential questions about sustainable materials, so my thesis project focused on using timber structures within the existing footprint of reused buildings.
Like many students at Continuity Atelier, we are highly interested in working with the built environment and often engage directly on-site. As a result, most of our projects focus on developing adaptive reuse initiatives. I am eager to create new structures while respecting the past and considering current needs.
My thesis project evolved from a macro-scale master plan to a detailed design for the LAB, a research centre addressing soil degradation caused by contemporary fast farming practices. The master plan revitalizes mixed-use buildings and introduces new terraced housing in Crewe alongside affordable mid-rise housing and dedicated spaces like the LAB, the GREENHOUSE, and The BARN. The project's centrepiece is the community-oriented research centre, designed to encourage interaction between researchers and local farming enthusiasts. Its fully accessible ground floor aligns with Crewe's outdoor green corridor.
I would never choose another path despite the challenges of pursuing an architecture degree.
