Protecting the Capital's Architectural Legacy: An Urban Center Reconstructing Itself in the Shadow of Conflict.

Lesia Danylenko proudly presented her recently completed front door. The restoration team had playfully nicknamed its ornate transom window the “pastry”, a lighthearted tribute to its curved shape. “In my opinion it’s more of a showy bird,” she stated, appreciating its tree limb-inspired ornamentation. The refurbishment initiative at one of Kyiv’s early 20th-century art nouveau houses was made possible by residents, who celebrated with a couple of lively pavement parties.

It was also an act of defiance against an invading force, she elaborated: “Our aim is to live like ordinary people in spite of the war. It’s about arranging our life in the most positive way. We’re not afraid of remaining in our homeland. I could have left, moving away to another European nation. Instead, I’m here. The new entrance represents our dedication to our homeland.”

“We strive to live like normal people despite the war. It’s about shaping our life in the optimal way.”

Preserving Kyiv’s historic buildings seems paradoxical at a time when missile strikes routinely fall the capital, causing death and destruction. Since the beginning of the current year, bombing campaigns have been dramatically stepped up. After each strike, workers board up shattered windows with plywood and try, where possible, to secure residential buildings.

Among the Conflict, a Battle for History

Amid the bombs, a group of activists has been attempting to save the city’s deteriorating mansions, built in a whimsical style known as Ukrainian modernism. Danylenko’s house is in the central Shevchenkivskyi district. It was erected in 1906 and was initially the home of a wealthy fur dealer. Its outer walls is decorated with horse chestnut leaves and intricate camomile flowers.

“They are symbols of Kyiv. These properties are uncommon today,” Danylenko stated. The mansion was designed by a designer of Central European origin. Several other buildings nearby showcase similar art nouveau elements, including asymmetry – with a pointed turret on one side and a small tower on the other. One much-loved house in the area boasts two forlorn white stucco cats, as well as owls, masks and a demonic figure.

Dual Dangers to History

But external attacks is only one threat. Preservation campaigners say they face unprincipled developers who raze historically significant buildings, corrupt officials and a governing class indifferent or hostile to the city’s rich architectural history. The bitter winter climate imposes another burden.

“Kyiv is a city where wealth dictates. We don’t have real political will to save our heritage,” said Dmytro Perov, an activist. He asserted the city’s mayor was allied with many of the developers who destroy important houses. Perov stated that the plan for the capital is reminiscent of a different time. The mayor denies these claims, attributing them from political rivals.

Perov said many of the community-oriented activists who once protected older properties were now serving in the military or had been fallen. The protracted conflict meant that everyone was facing economic hardship, he added, including judicial figures who mysteriously ruled in favour of suspect new-build schemes. “The longer this persists the more we see deterioration of our society and public institutions,” he remarked.

Loss and Abandonment

One egregious demolition site is in the riverside Podil neighbourhood. The street was home to classical 19th-century houses. A developer who purchased the plot had agreed to preserve its picturesque brick facade. Shortly following the onset of major hostilities, diggers razed it to the ground. Recently, a crane prepared foundations for a new shopping and business centre, observed by a unfriendly security guard.

Anatolii Pohorily, a heritage supporter, said there was not much hope for the remaining coloured houses on the site. Sometimes developers destroyed old properties while stating they were doing “scientific study”, he said. A former political system also caused immense damage on the capital, rebuilding its central boulevard after the second world war so it could allow for official processions.

Carrying the Torch

One of Kyiv’s most notable advocates of historic buildings, a heritage expert, was fell in 2022 while fighting in a contested area. His colleague Nelli Chudna said she and other volunteers were carrying on his important preservation work. There were originally 3,500 brick-built mansions in Kyiv, many erected for the city’s successful business magnates. Only 80 of their original doors remain, she said.

“It wasn’t aerial bombardments that got rid of them. It was us,” she admitted sadly. “The war could go on for another 20 years. If we fail to protect architecture now little will be left,” she emphasized. Chudna recently helped to restore a full of character vine-clad house built in 1910, which functions as the headquarters of her cultural organization and operates as a film set and museum. The property has a new vermilion portal and authentic railings; inside is a period bathroom and antique mirrors.

“The war could continue for another 20 years. If we don’t defend architecture now nothing will be left.”

The building’s occupant, artist Yurii Pikul, described his home as “quite special and a little bit cold”. Why do many residents not value the past? “Sadly they do not have education and taste. It’s all about business. We are trying as a country to move towards the west. But we are still not yet close from civilization,” he said. Previous ways of thinking lingered, with people unwilling to take personal responsibility for their built surroundings, he added.

Therapy in Action

Some buildings are collapsing because of official neglect. Chudna indicated a once-magical villa concealed behind a modern hospital. Its roof had collapsed; pigeons roosted among its shattered windows; debris lay under a whimsical tower. “Many times we don’t win,” she admitted. “Preservation work is therapy for us. We are trying to save all this history and splendour.”

In the face of destruction and commercial interests, these activists continue their work, one building at a time, arguing that to rebuild a city’s soul, you must first cherish its walls.