Irpin, Ukraine – Global design firm Stantec has been awarded first place in the international architectural competition to redesign the State Tax University (STU), a vital Ukrainian academic institution partially destroyed in the early stages of the regional conflict. The campus in Irpin, just 20 km from Kyiv, will now be transformed into a symbol of resilience, regeneration, and innovation.
The project, sponsored by the Center for Innovation (US), in partnership with STU, the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance, and NGO Dobrobat, drew 49 entries from 18 countries. Jurors from Ukraine, the US, Denmark, and Poland praised the winning design’s open, inclusive, and environmentally rooted approach.
A Vision Beyond Reconstruction
Rather than simply replace what was lost, Stantec’s design reimagines the STU campus as a bold new model for academic and social transformation. Anchored in principles of Design for All, the campus plan emphasizes:
- Equity and universal accessibility
- Sustainable building practices
- Open, community-integrated spaces
- Green, park-inspired design aligned with Irpin’s “City of Parks” identity
“With our hearts and minds, we embraced the call for a bold, forward-looking design vision—one that supports renewal and resilience while fostering hope,” said Dathe Wong, Design Director at Stantec.
A New Academic and Civic Hub
The centerpiece of Stantec’s proposal is not just a building—but a regenerative civic and academic hub. The redesigned main structure will serve as a landmark of collaboration, cultural exchange, and educational innovation.
“The jury unanimously agreed that this submission presented a strong engagement with the city of Irpin and the forest nearby,” said Wendy Hillis, Jury Chair and Campus Architect at UC Berkeley.
Collaboration for a Stronger Future
The project exemplifies global solidarity and innovation. Competition sponsors and jury members included:
- Wendy Hillis, UC Berkeley, USA
- Kasper Heiberg Frandsen, Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Denmark
- David Lenox, Stanford University, USA
- Szymon Wojciechowski, APA Wojciechowski Architects, Poland
- Sergii Marchenko, Minister of Finance, Ukraine
- And leading Ukrainian architects and planners
“Today, we join with the city of Irpin in rebuilding our community and university to demonstrate the strength of our nation,” said Dymtro Serebrianskyi, Acting Rector, STU.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting, operating at the intersection of community, creativity, and technical expertise. The firm serves communities across borders, tackling today’s greatest global challenges including climate change, infrastructure renewal, and digital transformation. Stantec is traded on the TSX and NYSE under the symbol STN.
