Please turn your device to portrait.
European Design Upgrade 3.0 project reimagining the role of modular construction to deliver affordable, adaptive and flexible housing.
The European Design Upgrade 3.0 (EDU 3.0) is an initiative focused on addressing the pressing issue of homelessness, particularly in crisis areas such as Ukraine, where the ongoing conflict has left millions without shelter. This international project is dedicated to rethinking modular housing solutions, aiming to provide affordable, adaptive, and flexible living spaces for those displaced by war, natural disasters, and other adversities.
“The key idea behind EDU 3.0 is to bring together architects, engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to create new and effective solutions for modular building construction. This is an important task and a serious challenge, as modular houses are the key to solving the problem of temporary affordable housing in Ukraine for all those affected by the war,” comments Yurii Pyvovarov, President of K.Fund, the project’s implementing organisation.
The project is supported by modular construction experts from Estonia, Ukraine, and Finland, is built on the principles of human-centred design thinking. It seeks to ensure that modular housing is not only functional but also comfortable, energy-efficient, and sustainable.
Watch their story
One of the critical challenges addressed by the project is the negative perception of modular housing in Ukraine. Olha Batova, an EDU 3.0 project mentor, points out, “Our main task is to change the attitude of people in Ukraine to this type of housing, to convey that modular construction is about quality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency, among other things.”
The project also aims to tackle various problems faced by modular settlements, including the lack of personal and common space, non-compliance with safety standards, and the need for flexibility and adaptability for residents with disabilities.
EDU 3.0 involves a wide range of participants, including specialists in design, construction, and architecture, as well as students, entrepreneurs, and members of the public. The project is currently in the selection phase for a ‘hackathon’, where participants will collaborate to develop innovative solutions for modular housing. The ‘hackathon’, scheduled for April 11 to 13, will provide an opportunity for participants to receive mentoring support and compete for funding to implement their projects.
The project is funded by the European Union under the Creative Europe program, with additional support from partners such as Brand Manual, UrbanMill, and Ultrahack. The Interfax-Ukraine news agency serves as the project’s media partner.
