Preserving the Capital's Architectural Legacy: An Urban Center Reconstructing Itself Under the Threat of War.

Lesia Danylenko proudly presented her recently completed front door. The restoration team had playfully nicknamed its graceful transom window the “croissant”, a whimsical nod to its arched shape. “In my opinion it’s more of a peacock,” she stated, admiring its twig-detailed features. The renovation effort at one of Kyiv’s pre-World War I art nouveau houses was supported by residents, who marked the occasion with two neighbourhood pavement parties.

It was also an act of opposition against an invading force, she elaborated: “Our aim is to live like normal people regardless of the war. It’s about arranging our life in the optimal way. We’re not afraid of staying in our homeland. The possibility to emigrate existed, starting anew to another European nation. Conversely, I’m here. The new entrance represents our dedication to our homeland.”

“We are trying to live like ordinary people in spite of the war. It’s about organizing our life in the best possible way.”

Protecting Kyiv’s historic buildings could be considered unusual at a time when aerial assaults frequently hit the capital, resulting in death and destruction. Since the onset of the current year, aerial raids have been notably increased. After each attack, workers seal shattered windows with plywood and try, where possible, to save residential buildings.

Within the Explosions, a Campaign for History

In the midst of war, a group of activists has been working to conserve the city’s deteriorating mansions, built in a distinctive style known as Ukrainian modernism. Danylenko’s house is in the downtown Shevchenkivskyi district. It was erected in 1906 and was originally the home of a prosperous fur dealer. Its exterior is adorned with horse chestnut leaves and delicate camomile flowers.

“These buildings represent symbols of Kyiv. These properties are uncommon today,” Danylenko noted. The mansion was designed by a designer of Central European origin. Several other buildings nearby display analogous art nouveau characteristics, including an irregular shape – with a medieval spire on one side and a projection on the other. One beloved house in the area boasts two unhappy white stucco cats, as well as owls, masks and a devil.

Dual Dangers to History

But armed conflict is only one threat. Preservation campaigners say they face unprincipled developers who knock down listed buildings, corrupt officials and a administrative body unconcerned or hostile to the city’s profound architectural history. The bitter winter climate imposes another difficulty.

“Kyiv is a city where capital prevails. We don’t have genuine political will to save our heritage,” said Dmytro Perov, an activist. He claimed the city’s mayor was closely associated with many of the developers who destroy important houses. Perov further alleged that the concept for the capital harks back to a bygone era. The mayor has refuted these claims, attributing them from political rivals.

Perov said many of the community-oriented activists who once championed older properties were now serving in the military or had been killed. The ongoing conflict meant that the entire society was facing financial problems, he added, including judicial figures who mysteriously ruled in favour of dubious new-build schemes. “The longer this persists the more we see degradation of our society and public institutions,” he remarked.

Destruction and Abandonment

One notorious example of destruction is in the riverside Podil neighbourhood. The street was lined with classical 19th-century houses. A developer who obtained the plot had agreed to preserve its attractive brick facade. Shortly following the onset of major hostilities, heavy machinery demolished it. Recently, a crane prepared foundations for a new shopping and business centre, watched by a unfriendly security guard.

Anatolii Pohorily, a heritage supporter, said there was faint chance for the remaining coloured houses on the site. Sometimes developers demolished old properties while claiming they were doing “historical excavation”, he said. A former political system also wrought immense damage on the capital, redesigning its main thoroughfare after the second world war so it could allow for official processions.

Upholding the Legacy

One of Kyiv’s most renowned defenders of historic buildings, a tour guide and blogger, was fell in 2022 while engaged in a eastern city. His colleague Nelli Chudna said she and other volunteers were carrying on his vital preservation work. There were originally 3,500 brick-built mansions in Kyiv, many built for the city’s prosperous entrepreneurs. Only 80 of their original doors are still in existence, she said.

“It wasn’t aerial bombardments that eliminated them. It was us,” she lamented. “The war could go on for another 20 years. If we neglect architecture now not a thing will be left,” she emphasized. Chudna recently helped to restore a characterful vine-clad house built in 1910, which serves as the headquarters of her cultural organization and doubles 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 last another 20 years. If we neglect architecture now not a thing will be left.”

The building’s resident, artist Yurii Pikul, described his home as “incredibly atmospheric and a little bit cold”. Why do many residents not appreciate the past? “Sadly they lack education and taste. It’s all about business. We are striving as a country to move towards the west. But we are still a way off from such cultural awareness,” he said. Outdated ways of thinking lingered, with people reluctant to take personal responsibility for their built surroundings, he added.

Hope in Restoration

Some buildings are collapsing because of official neglect. Chudna pointed to a once-magical villa tucked away behind a modern hospital. Its roof had collapsed; pigeons made their home among its smashed windows; refuse lay under a whimsical tower. “Frequently we lose the battle,” she acknowledged. “Preservation work is therapy for us. We are striving to save all this history and beauty.”

In the face of destruction and commercial interests, these activists continue their work, one building at a time, arguing that to save a city’s heart, you must first protect its stones.