Pechersk School International (PSI) – is a unique international school in Kiev, where kids from more than 40 countries are studying. The school is located in the Holosiivsky region (Kyiv) - in close proximity to the Holosievo National Park. It became a contemporary and bright accent in the 1970s modernist neighborhood. A new extension to the school consists of auditoriums and open spaces that are transforming old educational methods into ones for humanist and personality-oriented development. “The main challenge for the architects was to create a school which wouldn’t disharmonize the existing school, and would moreover be a corresponding extension while simultaneously expressing innovative approaches towards teaching techniques, ideas of artistic development and manifestos of innovativeness in education,†explain the authors of the project.
The authors designed and built an innovative school, which includes a cluster of halls with different functions and different levels of transformation. Extension zoning is subdivided by floors and presented as a stack of different functions:  basement – two swimming pools for different age groups; first floor – public zone and sports; second floor dedicated to art; on the third floor -- high-end science laboratories; an exhibition space and a multifunctional theater hall on the fourth floor.
A sports hall with transformable stands allows kids to perform their activity activities on a daily basis and to create their own sporting competitions, which will lead to the establishing a school sport culture. A mobile divider separates the hall and allows two groups to use the space simultaneously.
A multifunctional theatre hall with a transformable stage, mobile lighting and a drama rehearsal room allows both kids and teachers to reveal their artistic potential. There is also a museum of cinematic art near the school, which helps to familiarize children with filmmaking and its historical development.
This school distinguishes itself with an early development kids club for ages three and up. The club is a separate unit, which creates comfortable conditions for the youngest kids.
Architects created a unique outdoor space with micro-typology. Reasonable zoning allows different age groups to be divided by their interests and preferred activities. The highlight of the yard is an amphitheater where kids can practice new skills and artistic performances.
Furthermore, PSI goes Green. Their Green Committee is comprised of students, parents and staff who are passionate about education, participation and change in the areas of reusing, recycling and environmental sustainability. The school is currently on a five-year plan to become a prestigious Green Flag school. Authors of the project supported ideas of sustainability in engineering solutions. Â A heat pump is installed to provide independent heating and a 6D building information model was created for maintenance and management of utilities and equipment.
Interior design does not prevail over the function. One of the most distinguishing design features –lighting in the shapes of mathematical symbols that decorates the stairwell and creates lighting accents all around the school.
A spacious hall creates a cozy lounge both for students and their parents. The traditional cloakroom was replaced by personal lockers hidden behind flush wooden panels along the wall in the entry hall. Moreover, the wall finish of all the corridors is a space for installations and memos.
The light zoning of the cafeteria for the different age groups allows this space to transform into a conference-hall for extracurricular events. Yova Yager and Nastya Ptichek designed prints for the walls – stylized endangered plants - to motivate kids to take care of nature.
