As the world continues to hear and see reports of terror and destruction following Russia's invasion of its neighbor, it's easy to forget about the individual voices of Ukrainian people. The public has grown to recognize the voice of the nation's president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as one of steadfast loyalty to his people and country. Beyond the accounts from journalists and news teams on the ground, what do the architects, designers, and academic institutions of Ukraine have to say?
To amplify individual experiences, commentary, and calls for peace, we are sharing some of the stories that Ukrainine's design community has sent us.
Olga Kovtun, communications specialist and member of Kyiv-based architecture and interior design firm Yakusha Design told us: "At this moment, when all Ukraine is under constant missile attacks, work at our office in Kyiv is paralyzed, and everyone is thinking primarily about the safety of their families and loved ones. One of our team members has volunteered to join the Ukrainian territorial defense forces, some people evacuated to Western Ukraine or other places, some stayed in the capital."
The firm's founder Victoria Yakusha shared: "Today I am not in Kyiv, I am in Brussels. And that hurts me even more — knowing what’s happening in my country. My team, my mother, my friends are in Ukraine. Our team’s work chat now serves to find out if everyone is alive, where the nearest bomb shelters are, and to coordinate actions. We are together. What's happening now is extermination. Kyiv is being bombarded, Russian tanks are in the streets. It's a real war. Not an operation, not a military exercise, or demilitarization. Civilians are being killed, residential areas are being hit."
What's happening now is extermination. Kyiv is being bombarded, Russian tanks are in the streets. It's a real war" - Victoria Yakusha, founder of Yakusha Design
"What is truly unprecedented, is the strength of spirit, the courage of Ukrainians fighting for their land," Yakusha continued. "Ukraine has such a strong spirit, it is a great nation. And in this situation, Ukrainians want to receive not words of support but real actions from the Western world. Today, Ukraine is a shield from Russian aggression."
Kateryna Vakhrameyeva, co-founder and CEO of Kyiv-based design practice +kouple (formerly FILD) told Archinect: "No words to express our gratitude for your initiative. We have no idea what to expect any hour soon and [we are] horrified with this reality but trying to stay strong and support local resistance! We strongly believe in our cause, and we are so significantly grateful for all international support you've already given to Ukrainian nation."
The studio recently launched the "BEVEL + Molotov" campaign honoring "Ukrainian bravery and resistance" and with all proceeds pledged to support the Ukrainian army.
Janna Kiseleva, architect and founder of JK Lab Architects in the southern port city of Odessa, shared a video with us discussing her expertise as a design professional and giving instructions for fellow Ukrainians to identify safe spaces to shelter in during bomb attacks.
JK Lab Architects have been maintaining an active presence on Archinect for several years with lots of delightful architecture and interior design projects in Odessa, Kyiv, and beyond shared on their firm profile.
Kyiv-based production company and creative agency, Minimal Movie, shared: "My family and I are in relative safety in Western Ukraine. Russia has started this war and is also targeting civilians. Innocent children are dying. Russia is purposefully targeting cities even with ballistic missiles. Many architects I know, both men and women, have joined territorial defense battalions to defend Kyiv. In this minute, they are fighting for the fate of the country in the streets of Kyiv. We need the support of the world and the architectural community to stand with Ukraine and make Russia a pariah. We will prevail, and we want to work together with our international friends in rebuilding Ukraine."
Teaser for the documentary short "Enter Through The Balcony" produced by Minimal Movie.
The architecture, design, and ceramics practice of Sergey Makhno Architects wrote from Kyiv: "On February 24, 2022, Russia started a full-scale war against Ukraine. For 5 days now, the fearless Ukrainian Army and civil people have been defending not only our country but also the freedom of the whole of democratic Europe. Ukrainian soldiers and civil people are dying for your peaceful future. Ukrainian women are giving birth in bomb shelters. Russian army kills children, bombs civil buildings, destroys millions of Ukrainian lives."
Their message continued by sharing a series of ways to support their country and people by donating to the international charitable foundation "Come Back Alive" and the National Bank of Ukraine, sharing information on the war from proven and official channels, asking government officials to support Ukrainian independence in any way possible, and lastly attending demonstrations to support the people of Ukraine from afar.
The Kharkiv School of Architecture in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, home to 1.4 million residents during peaceful times, was also able to express their thoughts and commentary. Yelyzaveta Krasnianyk, the school's program coordinator, shared:
"Russia once again struck a blow to Ukraine, but now it is a full-scale war. They attacked us, without declaring war, insidiously in the middle of the night. They hit rockets and missiles all over our country, hitting cities and essential infrastructure. Some of those missiles hit residential areas, schools, kindergartens, and hospitals. Therefore, there are losses not only among the military but also among the civilian population. As for us, we are an independent Architecture School in Kharkiv (It's a big city very close to the Russian border). They bomb the city all day long using planes, missiles, and fire systems. At this time, the school can no longer function like most educational institutions in our country."
"Now we think first of all about the safety of our students and staff. Whenever possible, students and teachers are evacuated from the city to safer places, if any! However, those who remained in the city have been in bomb shelters almost all the time since yesterday due to constant strikes. When we overcome the danger, we will think about restoring what has been destroyed!
Maximum publicity about Russia's attack on Ukraine is needed! If possible, we ask everyone to speak out, unite, and push the governments to impose sanctions on Russia. Sharing on social media will also be beneficial this time while fighting Russian informational and armed attacks. Support and actual measures from Western partners are vital. We ask for the closure of the skies over Ukraine, military help, and cutting Russia from SWIFT. Hopefully, we will stand. And we will soon be able to talk about architecture and cooperation."
With every passing hour, news from the frontlines in Ukraine continues as the effects of Putin's heinous attacks ripple across borders and countries. With an overwhelming amount of damage inflicted on Ukraine's cities and villages, its leaders and people continue to press on.
Meanwhile, the architecture community reacts as prominent international firms stated their suspension of projects in Russia in protest and a group of over 6,700 Russian architects and urban planners signed an open letter in opposition to their country's violent incursion.
Architecture is about people. During this time of immense humanitarian crisis, we need to remember to look beyond the headlines and see the lives impacted day in and day out.
If you are currently in Ukraine and would like to share some words with our community, please reach out. Archinect is also offering promotion to Ukrainian architects and designers that are seeking work during this difficult time, as we're aware that many are desperately in need of work and money. We can be reached any time at connect@archinect.com, or via DM to any of our social channels.
Katherine is an LA-based writer and editor. She was Archinect's former Editorial Manager and Advertising Manager from 2018 – January 2024. During her time at Archinect, she's conducted and written 100+ interviews and specialty features with architects, designers, academics, and industry ...
Alexander Walter grew up in East Germany with plenty of Bratwurst. He studied Architecture and Media Design at Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, Germany, and participated in foreign exchange programs with Washington-Alexandria Architecture Consortium in Alexandria, Virginia and Waseda University in ...
2 Comments
A worthy effort done by the archinect.
Excellent item here; thanks to Katherine and Alexander. That post by Janna Kiseleva is both heart-rending and inspiring.
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