School 10 Youth center
The school was heavily damaged by the war. In its place, we aim to build a youth center focused on education, culture, and well-being—using sustainable, flexible design and with the main goal of fostering interaction among children and teens throughout the entire process.
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Chernihiv, Ukraine. | UKR 006 | |
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mts.2 |  |
Started: November 1, 2024. |
| Phase | Ongoing. | Type | Education. |
| Target Group | Children. | Partner | - |
| Client | Chernihiv Komunne. | Donor | - |
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RE-habilitation, RE-use of local materials. Use of wood. | ||
1. Observe.
Why, context, challenge.
Responding to an urgent social need
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has deeply disrupted the lives of children and young adults, leaving them without safe places to grow, connect, and simply be themselves. Working together with the Chernihiv municipality, we seek to mend this missing layer of the urban social fabric and create spaces that support resilience, belonging, and everyday life.
From upheaval to nature, growth, and social reconnection
To create a center that truly belongs to Chernihiv’s youth, we studied local traditions, seasonal rhythms, and how children experience the city. We looked at holidays and weather-specific activities that encourage collaboration, social interaction, and shared learning, mapping them against the school-year calendar. This ensures activities are meaningful, well-timed, and rooted in the city’s own identity.
A Playground for Ideas and Growth
Mimir takes its name from a figure in Norse mythology known for wisdom and insight—a symbol of guidance even in challenging times. Even after his physical form was gone, Mímir continued to share wisdom. Choosing this name for the youth center in Chernihiv highlights exactly these values. The name suggests a place where young people can explore, ask questions, and grow in confidence.
Youth centers in Ukraine play an essential role in offering education, community, and emotional support. By carrying the name Mimir, the center becomes more than a building. Just like a playground sparks creativity, the Mimir Center is designed to spark curiosity, confidence, and community. It’s a space where ideas grow, skills develop, and young people discover their own strength.
Here, wisdom is not something distant or ancient. It becomes something alive, shared, and built together every day. Mimir stands as a reminder that knowledge, resilience, and imagination can guide us forward, no matter the challenges.
2. Identify.
Who, target, user, facts.
115
115 educational institutions are demaged or destroyed since 2022 leaving thousends of children without access to a safe learning environment.
390k
390,000 children are still limited to remote-only education due to ongoing security risks, lack of safe shelters in schools, or infrastructure damage.
16k
16,000 children and 25,000 caregivers accessed mental health and psychosocial support through UNICEF's programs.
3. Approach.
How, strategy, interact
Mimir Youth Center. The old school No. 10, located in the heart of Chernihiv, was severely damaged by the war. In its place, we aim to build an innovative youth center designed to provide education, culture, and well-being for children and young people in a safe and welcoming environment.This project focuses on sustainable and flexible architecture, with the main goal of fostering interaction between children and teenagers throughout the entire process.The building will feature educational, sports, and recreational spaces, offering activities ranging from technology and sports to the arts. Additionally, the design follows the principles of the New European Bauhaus, combining functionality, beauty, and sustainability.
Who participate
Paola Bornaschella
Yuliia Hryshai
Silvia Oumnikova
Sofiia .
Tetiana .
Support an Ongoing Project.
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