Prioritising the places and people that need it the most
Smart Shelter CLUST SPACE
CLUST SPACE is a charity project of smart shelters for students at Ukrainian universities
CLUST SPACE is a smart shelter for students at Ukrainian universities. This innovative space combines the functions of a shelter and a coworking space so that Ukrainian youth can continue their studies safely even during the wartime. The design concept meets the requirements for shelters from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine while being modern and functional. This space offers flexible areas for students, practical classes, workshops, meetings, sports, and recreation.
Ukraine
National
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Yes
2024-01-25
No
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
CLUST SPACE aims to create a safe and comfortable environment for Ukrainian students to continue offline learning.
This project addresses two significant challenges faced by Ukraine today:
1.The need for safety, as daily air raids, shelling, and infrastructure damage continue.
2.The need for skilled young professionals to drive innovation, launch businesses, and rebuild the economy.
Since February 24, 2022, almost 4,000 educational institutions in Ukraine have been damaged, with around 400 completely destroyed. Universities require shelters to maintain offline education. However, most existing shelters are uncomfortable—bare concrete rooms with minimal furnishings.
CLUST SPACE introduces the concept of smart shelters, transforming them into modern coworking hubs that match the standards of European student campuses and global IT offices while adapting to Ukraine’s realities. After the war, these spaces will continue to serve as hubs for student innovation.
We built the first CLUST SPACE at Ukraine’s largest technical university, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. Covering 600 m², it accommodates 300 people for daily study and work and up to 500 during air raids. Since its launch on January 25, 2024, over 66,000 people have used the space.
The primary target audience includes students and educators. In its first year, CLUST SPACE hosted over 150 student events, including the International Youth Festival of Social Advertising “Another Perspective,” the Ukrainian Student Chess Championship, and a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Junior Academy of Sciences representatives. Additionally, students used the shelter approximately 480 times.
Another key audience is tech companies and businesses seeking to connect with young talent through career events and networking. Lastly, CLUST SPACE is open to all Ukrainian citizens and provides free shelter during air raids.
This project addresses two significant challenges faced by Ukraine today:
1.The need for safety, as daily air raids, shelling, and infrastructure damage continue.
2.The need for skilled young professionals to drive innovation, launch businesses, and rebuild the economy.
Since February 24, 2022, almost 4,000 educational institutions in Ukraine have been damaged, with around 400 completely destroyed. Universities require shelters to maintain offline education. However, most existing shelters are uncomfortable—bare concrete rooms with minimal furnishings.
CLUST SPACE introduces the concept of smart shelters, transforming them into modern coworking hubs that match the standards of European student campuses and global IT offices while adapting to Ukraine’s realities. After the war, these spaces will continue to serve as hubs for student innovation.
We built the first CLUST SPACE at Ukraine’s largest technical university, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. Covering 600 m², it accommodates 300 people for daily study and work and up to 500 during air raids. Since its launch on January 25, 2024, over 66,000 people have used the space.
The primary target audience includes students and educators. In its first year, CLUST SPACE hosted over 150 student events, including the International Youth Festival of Social Advertising “Another Perspective,” the Ukrainian Student Chess Championship, and a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Junior Academy of Sciences representatives. Additionally, students used the shelter approximately 480 times.
Another key audience is tech companies and businesses seeking to connect with young talent through career events and networking. Lastly, CLUST SPACE is open to all Ukrainian citizens and provides free shelter during air raids.
Safety
Comfort
Technology
Ergonomics
Inclusivity
Education is the foundation for a developed modern society. Suppose we in Ukraine ignore security issues in the area of education. In that case, one part of the students will go abroad to study, and the other will not have access to offline learning at universities because of constant air raids. As a result, we will have a generation of “lost specialists.” And we need qualified personnel to rebuild the country and make an economic leap after the war.
The CLUST SPACE smart shelter creates the conditions for students to choose Ukrainian universities, study, support offline networking, and realize their creative potential at home.
CLUST SPACE KYIV has become the center of student life for Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. People come here to continue their studies during the air alert. Important events, such as thesis defenses, hackathons, and presentations, are held here, as the air raid cannot interrupt them. Moreover, the space has a generator, which allows training to continue even during planned and emergency power outages, which regularly occur due to shelling and the destruction of energy infrastructure.
In the context of security, CLUST SPACE is an innovative solution that can be scaled up to the entire territory of Ukraine and built a network of smart shelters for students in all regions to access education under any circumstances.
The CLUST SPACE smart shelter creates the conditions for students to choose Ukrainian universities, study, support offline networking, and realize their creative potential at home.
CLUST SPACE KYIV has become the center of student life for Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute. People come here to continue their studies during the air alert. Important events, such as thesis defenses, hackathons, and presentations, are held here, as the air raid cannot interrupt them. Moreover, the space has a generator, which allows training to continue even during planned and emergency power outages, which regularly occur due to shelling and the destruction of energy infrastructure.
In the context of security, CLUST SPACE is an innovative solution that can be scaled up to the entire territory of Ukraine and built a network of smart shelters for students in all regions to access education under any circumstances.
The design concept of CLUST SPACE meets the shelter requirements for higher education institutions set by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine while remaining modern and highly functional. It features a spacious open area that adapts to students' needs, rooms for hands-on learning and workshops, meeting rooms, and zones for sports and relaxation—everything a proper coworking space should include. As a shelter, CLUST SPACE can accommodate up to 500 people at a time, and its ventilation system can sustain operations for 72 hours, even during a chemical attack.
CLUST SPACE is where ergonomics, innovation, and safety come together to ensure uninterrupted learning under any circumstances.
As lead architect Pavlo Peker notes, the core principle behind the smart shelter's design is human-centeredness. We mean that we create the most comfortable conditions for everyone entering the space: ergonomic layouts and furniture placement, acoustic panels, and lighting that enhance visual and auditory comfort. The materials and architectural solutions prioritize functionality without unnecessary elements, optimizing both construction costs and long-term usability for the university. Additionally, all glass surfaces are reinforced to prevent injury during an attack, ensuring that no hazardous debris poses an additional risk in the underground shelter.
This is what makes CLUST SPACE smart shelters genuinely unique. Here and now, in Ukraine, we are developing cutting-edge safety solutions, testing them in real-world conditions, and proving their effectiveness. In the future, these solutions could serve as a model for other universities in Ukraine and worldwide. The presence of safe and comfortable shelters should become a universal standard for all public spaces in today's world.
CLUST SPACE is where ergonomics, innovation, and safety come together to ensure uninterrupted learning under any circumstances.
As lead architect Pavlo Peker notes, the core principle behind the smart shelter's design is human-centeredness. We mean that we create the most comfortable conditions for everyone entering the space: ergonomic layouts and furniture placement, acoustic panels, and lighting that enhance visual and auditory comfort. The materials and architectural solutions prioritize functionality without unnecessary elements, optimizing both construction costs and long-term usability for the university. Additionally, all glass surfaces are reinforced to prevent injury during an attack, ensuring that no hazardous debris poses an additional risk in the underground shelter.
This is what makes CLUST SPACE smart shelters genuinely unique. Here and now, in Ukraine, we are developing cutting-edge safety solutions, testing them in real-world conditions, and proving their effectiveness. In the future, these solutions could serve as a model for other universities in Ukraine and worldwide. The presence of safe and comfortable shelters should become a universal standard for all public spaces in today's world.
The CLUST SPACE smart shelter is fully inclusive. During air raid alerts, anyone, regardless of age, gender, social status, or background, can use it as a free shelter.
Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute students can study in the space and freely organize student events by booking a date, time, and specific area (such as group work rooms, meeting rooms, or large open spaces) through the university administration.
CLUST SPACE is not just about studying—it’s also about relaxation. The space features sports, gaming, and leisure areas, as well as a dedicated nap room with shared sleeping spots.
The smart shelter is also designed for accessibility, ensuring a comfortable environment for people with disabilities. It has ramps, adapted restrooms, and other facilities. Additionally, the space includes a baby changing station for young mothers.
We have considered the needs of various target audiences who will visit the space, ensuring that CLUST SPACE provides everyone with the highest comfort level.
Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute students can study in the space and freely organize student events by booking a date, time, and specific area (such as group work rooms, meeting rooms, or large open spaces) through the university administration.
CLUST SPACE is not just about studying—it’s also about relaxation. The space features sports, gaming, and leisure areas, as well as a dedicated nap room with shared sleeping spots.
The smart shelter is also designed for accessibility, ensuring a comfortable environment for people with disabilities. It has ramps, adapted restrooms, and other facilities. Additionally, the space includes a baby changing station for young mothers.
We have considered the needs of various target audiences who will visit the space, ensuring that CLUST SPACE provides everyone with the highest comfort level.
We aimed to create a comfortable and safe space that students could adapt to any scenario — from regular lectures to thesis defenses, competitions, and award ceremonies. That's why our team of architects, led by Pavlo Peker, consulted with the student council and representatives to understand their needs for such a space. We designed CLUST SPACE based on their feedback, and now, more than a year after its official opening, we can see how effective our solutions have been.
Over the past year, more than 150 student events have occurred here, including the International Youth Festival of Social Advertising "Another Perspective," the Ukrainian Student Chess Championship, and a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Junior Academy of Sciences representatives. Students actively use all the opportunities and advantages CLUST SPACE offers.
Over the past year, more than 150 student events have occurred here, including the International Youth Festival of Social Advertising "Another Perspective," the Ukrainian Student Chess Championship, and a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Junior Academy of Sciences representatives. Students actively use all the opportunities and advantages CLUST SPACE offers.
CLUST SPACE is a project that emerged from the partnership between business, the state, and the education sector.
Ukrainian entrepreneur and founder of the venture builder CLUST, Ruslan Tymofieiev launched the initiative. He decided to implement this project through the Tymofieiev Foundation as part of his business’s corporate social responsibility. CLUST handles the project’s management and operational processes. To bring this idea to life, we also secured funding from Ukrainian and international IT business community representatives.
Businesses do not receive traditional ROI from investing in such charitable projects. However, by investing in education, training, and the development of young professionals, they contribute to a future workforce that, in a few years, will be looking for jobs and will likely prefer socially responsible companies. In other words, business participation in this project helps build strategic relationships with future candidates and strengthens the employer brand. Depending on the business size, this applies at local, regional, and national levels.
At the local level, we engaged students and university administration, who supported and continue to benefit from our project.
At the regional level, we built relationships with government representatives and worked closely with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), as CLUST SPACE had to meet all safety standards and shelter requirements.
At the national level, the government gained an innovative safety solution that can be implemented in higher education institutions across Ukraine.
Our European colleagues can also learn from our experience building smart shelters where students can continue their education even during wartime. Of course, we hope they never have to use this knowledge, but having a ready-made solution is always beneficial. We are open and willing to share our expertise.
Ukrainian entrepreneur and founder of the venture builder CLUST, Ruslan Tymofieiev launched the initiative. He decided to implement this project through the Tymofieiev Foundation as part of his business’s corporate social responsibility. CLUST handles the project’s management and operational processes. To bring this idea to life, we also secured funding from Ukrainian and international IT business community representatives.
Businesses do not receive traditional ROI from investing in such charitable projects. However, by investing in education, training, and the development of young professionals, they contribute to a future workforce that, in a few years, will be looking for jobs and will likely prefer socially responsible companies. In other words, business participation in this project helps build strategic relationships with future candidates and strengthens the employer brand. Depending on the business size, this applies at local, regional, and national levels.
At the local level, we engaged students and university administration, who supported and continue to benefit from our project.
At the regional level, we built relationships with government representatives and worked closely with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES), as CLUST SPACE had to meet all safety standards and shelter requirements.
At the national level, the government gained an innovative safety solution that can be implemented in higher education institutions across Ukraine.
Our European colleagues can also learn from our experience building smart shelters where students can continue their education even during wartime. Of course, we hope they never have to use this knowledge, but having a ready-made solution is always beneficial. We are open and willing to share our expertise.
We engaged architect Pavlo Peker in the design process, leveraging his experience developing security-focused architectural solutions in conflict zones such as Iraq and Libya. Additionally, during the design and planning phases, we consulted with representatives of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES). We also invited SES representatives to inspect the completed facility and participate as speakers at the official opening of CLUST SPACE.
While assessing the basement of the Scientific and Technical Library at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute—where we planned to build the smart shelter—we discovered that a complete overhaul of the ventilation system was necessary to accommodate many students comfortably. Simply upgrading the old system was not enough; we needed a solution that could operate independently and self-purify, even in the event of a chemical attack, given the risks associated with wartime conditions. A graduate of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute designed the ventilation system. The CLUST SPACE KYIV ventilation system is built to support up to 500 people for 72 continuous hours.
It shows how the knowledge acquired at this institution comes full circle—returning in the form of cutting-edge security solutions that ensure future students can continue their education in a safe environment.
While assessing the basement of the Scientific and Technical Library at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute—where we planned to build the smart shelter—we discovered that a complete overhaul of the ventilation system was necessary to accommodate many students comfortably. Simply upgrading the old system was not enough; we needed a solution that could operate independently and self-purify, even in the event of a chemical attack, given the risks associated with wartime conditions. A graduate of Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute designed the ventilation system. The CLUST SPACE KYIV ventilation system is built to support up to 500 people for 72 continuous hours.
It shows how the knowledge acquired at this institution comes full circle—returning in the form of cutting-edge security solutions that ensure future students can continue their education in a safe environment.
The CLUST SPACE project is innovative—it is the first smart shelter for students in Ukraine. Does it have equivalents worldwide? If we consider this space solely as a coworking hub, an IT company office, or a student campus, then yes, similar examples exist, and we drew inspiration from them. However, the innovation of CLUST SPACE lies in integrating advanced safety solutions into what appears to be an ordinary modern coworking space. After all, safety is our top priority.
Regarding other shelters at Ukrainian universities, the development of shelter networks only began after the full-scale invasion. Typically, these are basement spaces cleared and equipped with basic tables and chairs. Most of them suffer from poor lighting, lack generators in case of power outages, and have weak or no internet connection. Moreover, the number of university shelters is insufficient, preventing some institutions from organizing in-person learning due to the lack of safe spaces for students.
Additionally, we designed the first CLUST SPACE smart shelter in the fall of 2022—before the Cabinet of Ministers approved new national shelter standards and requirements. These new regulations came into effect on November 1, 2023, and our CLUST SPACE fully complied with them from the outset.
Regarding other shelters at Ukrainian universities, the development of shelter networks only began after the full-scale invasion. Typically, these are basement spaces cleared and equipped with basic tables and chairs. Most of them suffer from poor lighting, lack generators in case of power outages, and have weak or no internet connection. Moreover, the number of university shelters is insufficient, preventing some institutions from organizing in-person learning due to the lack of safe spaces for students.
Additionally, we designed the first CLUST SPACE smart shelter in the fall of 2022—before the Cabinet of Ministers approved new national shelter standards and requirements. These new regulations came into effect on November 1, 2023, and our CLUST SPACE fully complied with them from the outset.
The core principle behind the smart shelter's design is human-centeredness. We mean that we create the most comfortable conditions for everyone entering the space: ergonomic layouts and furniture placement, acoustic panels, and lighting that enhance visual and auditory comfort. The materials and architectural solutions prioritize functionality without unnecessary elements, optimizing both construction costs and long-term usability for the university. Additionally, all glass surfaces are reinforced to prevent injury during an attack, ensuring that no hazardous debris poses an additional risk in the underground shelter.
The CLUST SPACE smart shelter is a ready-made security solution that can be scaled across Ukraine and the world, especially in countries with security challenges. After a year of operating CLUST SPACE KYIV, we have confirmed the effectiveness of our approach. We receive positive feedback from students daily and see how they actively use the space. Over the past year, students have hosted more than 150 events here, meaning that events took place every 2–3 days.
Our approach — from planning and visualization to selecting and installing furniture and equipment — can be replicated or adapted for other universities. We have already started moving in this direction. On February 5, 2025, we opened the second smart shelter, CLUST SPACE DNIPRO, for Oles Honchar Dnipro National University students. We chose Dnipro for the second smart shelter because the eastern region is a priority for security initiatives due to its proximity to the front line, frequent air raid alerts, and overall level of danger. Oles Honchar Dnipro National University is the largest university in the region and, since the full-scale invasion, has welcomed many students from occupied and frontline areas.
We would be happy to build a network of smart shelters across Ukraine, starting with cities with urgent security needs. We already have a design project for the third smart shelter, CLUST SPACE ODESA, for Illia Mechnikov Odesa National University students. We are actively seeking investments to bring this space to life.
Our approach — from planning and visualization to selecting and installing furniture and equipment — can be replicated or adapted for other universities. We have already started moving in this direction. On February 5, 2025, we opened the second smart shelter, CLUST SPACE DNIPRO, for Oles Honchar Dnipro National University students. We chose Dnipro for the second smart shelter because the eastern region is a priority for security initiatives due to its proximity to the front line, frequent air raid alerts, and overall level of danger. Oles Honchar Dnipro National University is the largest university in the region and, since the full-scale invasion, has welcomed many students from occupied and frontline areas.
We would be happy to build a network of smart shelters across Ukraine, starting with cities with urgent security needs. We already have a design project for the third smart shelter, CLUST SPACE ODESA, for Illia Mechnikov Odesa National University students. We are actively seeking investments to bring this space to life.
A global challenge that Ukrainian society was not prepared for but must confront is full-scale war. The war has changed the lives of every one of us and placed us in circumstances where we must generate new solutions to survive. However, for a developed society, mere survival is not enough — we want to continue living, provide education to our children and teenagers, and nurture a young generation responsible for rebuilding the country and restoring the economy after the war ends.
Our local security solution, the CLUST SPACE smart shelter for Ukrainian higher education institutions, addresses this challenge by enabling the continuation of the educational process and fostering offline networking even in wartime conditions.
Our local security solution, the CLUST SPACE smart shelter for Ukrainian higher education institutions, addresses this challenge by enabling the continuation of the educational process and fostering offline networking even in wartime conditions.
Achievements of the CLUST SPACE Project:
1.The project provides an innovative security solution for ensuring an uninterrupted educational process.
2.It supports Ukrainian students by creating comfortable conditions for in-person learning, helping to reduce student migration abroad, and preventing a future shortage of young professionals.
3.It serves as a platform for communication between young people and businesses, fostering professional connections and partnerships.
4.It strengthens Ukraine’s reputation in technology and innovation while establishing a security solution that can become a benchmark for other countries.
The first CLUST SPACE at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute has operated successfully since January 25, 2024. The 600 m² facility accommodates up to 300 people for work and study and up to 500 during air raid alerts. Construction took five months and cost $415,000.
CLUST SPACE KYIV in numbers (nearly one year of operation):
1.66,000+ visitors
2.480+ air raid alerts students have waited out in the shelter
3.150+ student events hosted, including the International Youth Festival of Social Advertising Another Look, the Ukrainian Student Chess Championship, and a meeting between the President and representatives of the Junior Academy of Sciences
4.89+ guided tours
5.10+ media productions filmed
During this time, the space has welcomed many distinguished guests, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, ambassadors from various countries, government ministers, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, renowned poets, writers, and scientists.
We see the impact of CLUST SPACE and are committed to building a network of smart shelters across Ukraine.
1.The project provides an innovative security solution for ensuring an uninterrupted educational process.
2.It supports Ukrainian students by creating comfortable conditions for in-person learning, helping to reduce student migration abroad, and preventing a future shortage of young professionals.
3.It serves as a platform for communication between young people and businesses, fostering professional connections and partnerships.
4.It strengthens Ukraine’s reputation in technology and innovation while establishing a security solution that can become a benchmark for other countries.
The first CLUST SPACE at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute has operated successfully since January 25, 2024. The 600 m² facility accommodates up to 300 people for work and study and up to 500 during air raid alerts. Construction took five months and cost $415,000.
CLUST SPACE KYIV in numbers (nearly one year of operation):
1.66,000+ visitors
2.480+ air raid alerts students have waited out in the shelter
3.150+ student events hosted, including the International Youth Festival of Social Advertising Another Look, the Ukrainian Student Chess Championship, and a meeting between the President and representatives of the Junior Academy of Sciences
4.89+ guided tours
5.10+ media productions filmed
During this time, the space has welcomed many distinguished guests, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, ambassadors from various countries, government ministers, a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, renowned poets, writers, and scientists.
We see the impact of CLUST SPACE and are committed to building a network of smart shelters across Ukraine.
