aranchii architects' holy trinity church in kyiv combines sacred space and air raid shelter

Aranchii Architects Creates Church and Shelter Complex in Kyiv

Located in Kyiv’s Obolon district, the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church by Aranchii Architects combines religious, civic, and protective functions within a single architectural complex. The project integrates a sacred space for worship, a landscaped public square, and an underground air raid shelter, reflecting the dual need for community gathering and safety in wartime conditions.

The church is designed with a footprint of 812 sqm, complemented by 5,398 sqm of landscaped grounds. Seasonal planting defines the square, with trees and greenery providing shade in summer, color in autumn, and a calm setting throughout the year. This outdoor space supports both religious ceremonies, such as the blessing of the Christmas tree, and informal daily use by local residents.

all images courtesy of Aranchii Architects

Holy Trinity Church merges Worship, Landscape, and Protection

Central to the project is the integration of a fully functional air raid shelter. Directly accessible from the main public areas, the shelter ensures rapid transition to safety during missile alerts while preserving the openness of the overall design. In this way, the church acts as both a spiritual and physical refuge for the community.

Architecturally, the design team at Aranchii Architects draws from the traditions of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church while responding to contemporary needs. The composition balances sacred symbolism with practical considerations of resilience, accessibility, and protection. By combining worship space, communal square, and shelter within one cohesive scheme, the project demonstrates how architecture can adapt to present realities while maintaining continuity with cultural and spiritual heritage.

the project integrates a sacred space, public square, and air raid shelter

seasonal planting shapes the square with changing colors and textures

a fully functional air raid shelter is integrated within the complex

trees provide shade in summer and vibrant tones in autumn

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project info:

name: Holy Trinity Church (UGCC) with shelter and public garden

architect: Aranchii Architects | @aranchiiarchitects
design team: Dmytro Aranchii, Mariia Drobenko, Daria Suk, Vladyslav Lutsyk, Oleksandr Polikrovskyi, Bohdan Hadzhylov
location: Kyiv, Ukraine

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom