Safeguarding the Capital's Heritage: An Urban Center Rebuilding Itself Under the Threat of Conflict.

Lesia Danylenko showed off with satisfaction her recently completed front door. Local helpers had affectionately dubbed its graceful transom window the “crescent roll”, a whimsical nod to its arched shape. “In my opinion it’s more of a peacock,” she stated, gazing at its branch-like ornamentation. The renovation effort at one of Kyiv’s turn-of-the-century art nouveau houses was made possible by residents, who celebrated with a couple of lively pavement parties.

It was also an expression of defiance in the face of a neighboring state, she elaborated: “We are trying to live like normal people despite the war. It’s about shaping our life in the best possible way. We have no fear of remaining in Ukraine. I could have left, moving away to another European nation. On the contrary, I’m here. The new entrance represents our commitment to our homeland.”

“Our aim is to live like ordinary people despite the war. It’s about arranging our life in the best possible way.”

Safeguarding Kyiv’s architectural heritage may appear strange at a period when drone attacks frequently hit the capital, bringing death and destruction. Since the start of the current year, bombing campaigns have been dramatically stepped up. After each assault, workers cover blown-out windows with plywood and try, where possible, to salvage residential buildings.

Amid the Bombs, a Fight for History

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

“These buildings represent symbols of Kyiv. These properties are quite rare nowadays,” Danylenko said. The residence was designed by a designer of Central European origin. Several other buildings close by showcase analogous art nouveau elements, including asymmetry – with a medieval spire on one side and a turret on the other. One much-loved house in the area boasts two sullen white stucco cats, as well as owls, masks and a imp.

Dual Dangers to Heritage

But external attacks is only one threat. Preservation campaigners say they face profit-driven developers who knock down protected buildings, unethical officials and a governing class indifferent or opposed to the city’s rich architectural history. The severe winter climate imposes another difficulty.

“Kyiv is a city where wealth dictates. We are missing real political will to save our heritage,” said Dmytro Perov, an activist. He alleged the city’s leadership was closely associated with many of the developers who bulldoze important houses. Perov added that the concept for the capital is reminiscent of a previous decade. The mayor rejects these claims, saying they originate from political rivals.

Perov said many of the public-spirited activists who once protected older properties were now fighting on the frontline or had been killed. The ongoing conflict meant that all citizens was facing monetary strain, he added, including judicial figures who curiously ruled in favour of suspect new-build schemes. “The longer this continues the more we see degradation of our society and public institutions,” he argued.

Demolition and Neglect

One glaring example of destruction is in the historic Podil neighbourhood. The street was the site of classical 19th-century houses. A developer who obtained the plot had committed to preserve its charming brick facade. A day after the 2022 invasion, excavators tore it down. Recently, a crane excavated foundations for a new commercial complex, observed by a unfriendly security guard.

Anatolii Pohorily, a heritage supporter, said there was little optimism for the remaining turquoise-painted houses on the site. Sometimes developers levelled old properties while claiming they were doing “archaeological research”, he said. A former political system also inflicted immense damage on the capital, redesigning its central boulevard after the second world war so it could facilitate large-scale parades.

Carrying the Torch

One of Kyiv’s most notable advocates of historic buildings, a cultural activist, was killed in 2022 while engaged in the frontline. His colleague Nelli Chudna said she and other volunteers were carrying on his vital preservation work. There were originally 3,500 stone mansions in Kyiv, many constructed for the city’s wealthy entrepreneurs. Only 80 of their period doors survived, she said.

“It was not aerial bombardments that destroyed them. It was us,” she said with regret. “The war could continue for another 20 years. If we don’t defend architecture now not a thing will be left,” she continued. Chudna recently helped to restore a characterful ivy-draped house built in 1910, which acts as the headquarters of her cultural organization and also serves as a film set and museum. The property has a new crimson entrance and original-style railings; inside is a vintage sanitary facility and antique mirrors.

“The war could continue for another 20 years. If we neglect architecture now not a thing will be left.”

The building’s tenant, artist Yurii Pikul, described his home as “quite special and a little bit cold”. Why do many citizens not value the past? “Unfortunately they are without education and taste. It’s all about business. We are striving as a country to move towards the west. But we are still not yet close from that standard,” he said. Previous ways of thinking remained, with people unwilling to take personal responsibility for their architectural setting, he added.

Therapy in Action

Some buildings are falling apart because of official neglect. Chudna indicated a once-magical villa tucked away behind a modern hospital. Its roof had fallen; pigeons made their home among its shattered windows; refuse lay under a fairytale tower. “Many times we are unsuccessful,” she acknowledged. “Restoration is therapy for us. We are trying to save all this heritage and splendour.”

In the face of destruction and neglect, these citizens continue their work, one door at a time, stating that to preserve a city’s heart, you must first cherish its history.