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Article

Typology of leisure facilities in public buildings in small towns in Ukraine

Andrii Borys*

andriiborys94@outlok.com

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the architectural, planning, functional and urban development criteria for classifying leisure-purpose buildings in small towns in Ukraine, and to justify the directions for their transformation in the context of contemporary public use, reconstruction and adaptation. The research methodology combined normative, functional-planning, typological, urban planning and reconstruction-engineering analysis with integrated modelling. The practical applicability of the proposed typological models was tested using the example of four leisure buildings in small towns in Ukraine: House of Culture in Kaniv, the Stebnyk People’s House, the People’s House in Bibrka, and the Zhovkva Municipal People’s House. The results of the study showed that a house of enlightenment, a people’s house, a house of culture, a club building and a cultural centre are not merely historical or institutional names for a single type of building, but reflect different models of public buildings, differing in their primary function, user composition, spatial core, level of multifunctionality, urban planning role and potential for transformation. The study established that the traditional club building in a small town was predominantly centred around a hall-and-stage complex; however, the modern needs of communities are driving a shift towards a multifunctional model, in which lobbies, club and training rooms, circulation spaces, technical areas, barrier-free entrances and adjacent public spaces become key elements. Five typological models of leisure building transformation have been summarised: a single-purpose hall building, a club and group building, a cultural and entertainment building with a developed stage and auditorium block, an adapted mixed-use public building, and a multifunctional cultural and leisure centre. The study established that the greatest potential for adaptation is in facilities where the hall area is combined with flexible spaces for everyday use. The practical significance of the findings lies in their potential application in the assessment, restoration and functional refurbishment of cultural and leisure facilities in small towns across Ukraine

Keywords

public building; public space; building typology; building functionality; cultural centre; community centre; leisure facility

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Received 16.01.2026, Revised 10.04.2026, Accepted 02.06.2026 Published 22.06.2026

Retrieved from Vol. 12, No. 2, 2026

Suggested citation

Borys, A. (2026). Typology of leisure facilities in public buildings in small towns in Ukraine. Architectural Studies, 12(2), 43-62. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2026.04

https://doi.org/10.56318/as/2.2026.04

Pages 43-62

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