Reconstruction/Shelters in Druzhnia: BEFORE and AFTER, part 1

The B50 NGO implemented a project to transform the bomb shelter at the Strumochok preschool – at the request of the institution, we created a safe, cosy and psychologically comfortable space for children in case of air raid alert. Although the kindergarten building itself had been renovated before the full-scale invasion, the basement remained unrepaired.

As part of the Reconstruction and Shelters projects, the B50 team carried out extensive renovation and decoration work on the shelter with a total area of about 800 square metres. Two large halls, two bedrooms, corridors and technical rooms were renovated. The walls were decorated with warm children’s drawings and calm murals, which help kids feel more confident and maintain a sense of normalcy even in difficult circumstances.

You can read more about the shelter conversion process in our report. Now we show the results of this transformation, room by room.

The theme of Harmony unites all four rooms, combining calm and dynamics, abstraction and narrative drawings. The sketches for the murals were created for us by graduates of the Ampli teen accelerator, which gives young people the opportunity to join a socially important cause, express themselves, and give younger children a space where they will feel comfortable and interesting.

“Energy” Hall

‘Energy’ is a spacious hall, which the institution plans to use in the future (in addition to the shelter that is needed now) for physical activities: dancing, games, sports. Therefore, the main idea of its design is dynamics and freedom of movement. The murals here combine light, three-dimensional images with a sense of space, carefreeness and play.

At the same time, we kept a warm, pastel colour scheme so that the room remains comfortable for perception even during a long stay.

We also visually separated a niche in the large hall, where we created a learning space with a mural depicting various activities. This is a place that encourages action, activates the imagination and gives children a sense of joy and strength.

Valeria is the author of the sketches for the murals.

“Warmth” Room

he decoration of the ‘Warmth’ room was based on images that evoke a sense of comfort, calmness and support. This space is designed as a place to relax, where kids can unwind, gain strength and feel safe. The walls are decorated with calm illustrations in a warm colour palette with a marine theme.

Anna was the author of the sketches.

The shelter transformation project at Strumochok is another example of how a space can change not only its appearance but also the internal state of those who live in it. Thanks to the efforts of the B50 team, the support of partners and the creativity of young artists, the Warmth and Energy rooms have become places where children feel safe and comfortable – even in the difficult circumstances of war.

Thank you to everyone who supports our initiatives, believes in the importance of such changes and helps us make these spaces lively, warm and inspiring.

Follow our updates – very soon we will tell you about two more rooms, ‘Inspiration’ and ‘Rhythm’, in the next article.