How can Ukraine transform the vast Soviet-era housing estates into quality living spaces with attractive and healthy environments for displaced citizens affected by war?
How can the transformation of these neighborhoods contribute to a democratic and sustainable reconstruction of Ukraine?
What is their cultural and historical value, and what added value can it bring to the renovation process?
These and other questions surrounding the WG “Holistic renovation of modernism housing” in Ukraine are the focus of the U-RE-HERIT: Architects for Heritage in Ukraine – Recreating Identity and Memory project, led by the Lithuanian Architects Association in collaboration with experts from Lithuania, Belgium, Netherlands, and Ukraine.
In the summer of 2024, the working group presented an analysis of housing needs in Ukraine: condition, problems, and challenges of Soviet-era residential districts (see report here). In autumn 2024, the group convened in Vilnius to delve deeper into the transformation guidelines for these residential districts, emphasizing the aspects of cultural heritage and value. The summary and recommendations from the UREHERIT workshop on Holistic Renovation of Modernist Housing held in Vilnius are available here.
Renovation Challenges for Soviet-Era Housing in Post-War Ukraine
The renovation of Soviet-era mass housing has become particularly urgent in the context of post-war reconstruction. Approximately 8.2% of Ukraine’s housing stock has been damaged or destroyed due to the ongoing war initiated by Russia, creating an unprecedented demand for renewal. Simultaneously, questions about preserving cultural identity and historical memory arise, necessitating innovative solutions that would address both immediate housing needs and long-term heritage preservation.
The UREHERIT workshop held in Vilnius on September 12–13, 2024, was part of a broader project aimed at restoring Ukraine’s identity and memory through architectural heritage. The working group focused on creating a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the cultural significance of modernist residential areas and practical renovation guidelines that respect both heritage values and contemporary needs.
Workshop Highlights and Recommendations
During the workshop, experts including architects, urban planners, and architectural researchers provided creative solutions for renovating modernist housing districts. A systematic evaluation methodology introduced by Aušra Černiauskienė was adopted to analyze cultural significance across historical, social, aesthetic, urbanistic, and technological dimensions. This holistic approach enables a broader understanding of these neighborhoods beyond their architectural aspects.
Key Innovations and Approaches:
- Separating Soviet Legacy from Architectural Value:
Architect Johan de Wachter proposed a system to distinguish the architectural value of modernist buildings from their Soviet political connotations. This breakthrough methodology allows objective evaluation and informed decision-making free from political or emotional biases. - Urban Planning and Heritage Integration:
The methodology emphasizes preserving valuable urban planning principles such as green spaces and community amenities, while allowing necessary adaptations to meet modern needs. - Community Engagement:
Acknowledging that sustainable transformation requires resident involvement, the workshop stressed early and meaningful community participation to ensure solutions address local needs and foster acceptance. - Region-Specific Strategies:
Recognizing regional differences, the workshop proposed tailored approaches for stable, unstable, and less-attractive regions, considering factors like population mobility due to conflict.
Broader Implications for Ukraine’s Housing Renovation
Urban Planning: The recommendations aim to preserve valuable architectural and planning elements while adapting buildings to contemporary requirements. Successful renovation must address not just physical upgrades but also the social fabric of communities.
Educational Programs: The results serve as a foundation for training professionals to apply sensitive renovation methods, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Innovative Infrastructure Solutions: The workshop highlighted the dual nature of Soviet construction—while standardization poses challenges, it also allows scalable renovation strategies.
Modernization Goals: Practical tools and methodologies developed during the workshop pave the way for transforming Soviet-era neighborhoods into vibrant, sustainable communities that respect their historical significance while meeting modern societal needs.
Theoretical and Practical Breakthroughs
- Theoretical Insights:
The discussions generated a framework addressing the complex historical and political connotations of these buildings, offering three perspectives:- Complete Removal of Soviet-era structures, akin to de-Sovietization in Lithuania.
- Preservation as Historical Documentation to educate future generations.
- Neutralization via Adaptive Reuse to redefine their role and meaning in contemporary society.
The last approach was deemed most viable, balancing practical utility with sensitive historical reinterpretation.
- Innovative Evaluation Methodology:
The multidimensional evaluation approach goes beyond traditional heritage assessment, recognizing both tangible and intangible values of modernist districts. - Spatial Resources and Urban Sustainability:
The workshop identified unique spatial features of modernist districts, such as extensive open areas, as assets for future urban development. Strategies for densification must balance land use efficiency with preserving green spaces and community areas. - Technical and Social Innovations:
Modernizing standardized Soviet construction offers opportunities for systemic upgrades. Decentralized infrastructure solutions were highlighted as essential for unstable regions, enhancing resilience and adaptability.
The workshop’s outcomes demonstrate a balanced and pragmatic approach to Ukraine’s housing crisis, merging cultural sensitivity with urgent reconstruction needs. The insights and recommendations provide a roadmap for transforming Soviet-era housing into livable, sustainable spaces that honor their historical significance while serving future generations.
Recommendations:
1. Mixed Financing Models:
- Utilization of Public Funds: To kick-start renovation projects.
- Involvement of Private Investors: Through new construction projects or commercial transformation of ground floors.
2. Promoting Economic Activities:
- Adapting Ground-Floor Spaces: For businesses, community spaces, or other profitable activities.
- Added Benefits: Not only generates income but also stimulates local community engagement.
3. Ensuring Long-Term Financing:
- Creating Sustainable Models: Including continuous fees or revenues from commercial activities dedicated to building maintenance.
Economic sustainability is crucial for any renovation strategy to ensure the long-term success of projects. These models provide solutions to current challenges and ensure that renovated buildings remain viable and economically beneficial in the future.
Timeline:
Creative Workshop, Fall 2025 – analysis of War Damage and Modernist Apartment Block Renovation Needs, Creative Workshop in Vilnius;
Pilot Projects, Spring Semester 2025 – Students from Kharkiv School of Architecture and Kaunas University of Technology will present proposals for transforming real neighborhoods in Lviv and Zaporizhzhia based on the Working Group’s recommendations.
Urban Forum, June 2025 – Activities include presentations and discussions of student projects, as well as creative workshops with Lviv communities, architects, and local government representatives.Co-organized with the Estonian Association of Architects.
Final Recommendations Document – Fall 2025.
Participants:
Rūta Leitanaitė (UREHERIT Coordinator, LT), Martynas Marozas (Leader of the “Holistic Modernist Apartment Block Renovation” Working Group, LT), Gintarė Kapočiūtė (LT), Martynas Mankus (LT), Johan De Wachter (NL), Svitlana Biriuk (UA), Andrej Shcherbina (UA), Mykhailo Shevchenko (UA), Aušra Černauskienė (LT), Tobias Nordstrom (SE).
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author (s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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