Future School for Ukraine at Italian Design Day 2025 in Vilnius

As part of Italian Design Day 2025 in Vilnius, the Future School for Ukraine initiative took center stage, presenting its vision for modern, resilient, and community-driven education. Hosted at the Italian Embassy, the event focused on the winning project, “Neighbourhood for Educational Wonder,” developed by Scandurra Studio Architettura in collaboration with Ukrainian architect M.A. Vustianskyi.

The conference took place within the framework of Italian Design Day 2025, an initiative aligned with the theme “Inequalities. Design for a Better Life”, inspired by the upcoming Milan Triennale exhibition on reducing global inequalities. The event in Vilnius was organized in partnership with Scandurra Studio, the Lithuanian Architects’ Union, and the Lithuanian Architecture Foundation, showcasing how design can shape more inclusive and equitable societies.

During the presentation, architect Lorenzo Piazzi, the panel moderator, emphasized that Future School for Ukraine is not just a design, but a form of activism—a project that mobilizes communities and creates spaces for social transformation.

As Ukraine faces the daunting challenge of rebuilding education institutions deliberately targeted by russia, Lithuania is funding the development of a free-to-use, highly adaptable school design. It ensures that future schools will be modern, safe, resilient, and multifunctional. They will also serve as community hubs that promote interaction between students, teachers, and local residents, fostering inclusiveness and dialogue across generations.

By integrating the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB)—sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation—the Future School for Ukraine initiative aims to set a new standard for educational infrastructure in Ukraine, providing a model forreconstruction that prioritizes both quality learning environments and strong community ties.