uk

Article

Integration of protected spaces into the structure of residential buildings in the face of constant military threat

Tetyana Zhydkova*

zhydkova@npp.kai.edu.ua

Abstract

In the context of a constant potential threat to the civilian population, housing acquires the functions of a primary security environment, which requires a revision of the principles of its spatial planning organisation. The purpose of the study was to substantiate approaches to integrating protected spaces into the structure of residential buildings and determine the principles of their functional zoning in the context of long-term military threats. The study used methods of analysis of scientific sources, comparative analysis of planning decisions, generalisation of statistical data, spatial and functional modelling, and the method of included (participant) observation. The necessity of revising the conventional scheme of functional zoning of apartment premises under conditions of constant military threat was substantiated. It was proposed to adapt the spatial and hierarchical model of protected areas developed in the author's previous studies to the structure of a multi-storey residential building. The use of the structural core of the building as a basis for ensuring the evacuation and safety of engineering systems was justified. The expediency of redistributing the functional purpose of premises with the transfer of night stay zones to a zone with a high level of protection, close to the structural core of the building, was substantiated. The role of the internal buffer zone (bathrooms, dressing rooms, corridors) as spatial elements that reduce the impact of shock waves and debris was determined. It was proved that the facade area has the lowest level of protection and is used as a day space. An additional level of protection can be provided by applying an external energy-absorbing layer (balconies, loggias, facade systems). It was shown that the proposed approach contributes to the development of a more compact planning structure, which positively affects the energy efficiency of buildings, creating prerequisites for improving the energy efficiency of buildings. The scientific originality of the study consists in adapting a multi-level spatial and hierarchical model of protected areas of buildings to the structure of the residential environment and improving the principles of functional zoning of housing in accordance with the level of security of premises. The practical significance of the study lies in the possibility of applying the results obtained in the design of new residential buildings, adapting the existing housing stock, and in developing recommendations for improving the level of safety of residents by integrating protected spaces into the structure of residential buildings

Keywords

spatial and hierarchical model; residential environment; protection of the civilian population; functional zoning; protected space; multi-storey residential buildings

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Received 12.01.2026, Revised 08.04.2026, Accepted 02.06.2026 Published 22.06.2026

Retrieved from Vol. 12, No. 2, 2026

Suggested citation

Zhydkova, T. (2026). Integration of protected spaces into the structure of residential buildings in the face of constant military threat. Architectural Studies, 12(2), 84-93. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2026.07

https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2026.07

Pages 84-93

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ISSN 2411-801X e-ISSN 2786-7374  UDC 71;72
DOI: 10.56318/as