Ukraine Context 

War Problems and Issues

War-caused extensive damage to infrastructure and housing will require massive reconstruction efforts. The cost of reconstruction and recovery after two years of conflict is estimated to be around $486 billion.  In turn, the massive reconstruction efforts will need good planning to direct that investment and design the built environment to prioritize safety, resilience, prosperity, and community needs, and sustainability. Pre-existing issues include corruption, limited transparency, weak institutional capacity, and car-centric development patterns. The war has displaced millions of Ukrainians, both internally and abroad, creating challenges for future planning and housing needs. The war's long-term impact and available resources remain unclear, making long-term planning difficult.

The ongoing war significantly impacts urban planning, requiring adaptations and focusing on reconstruction and resilience as Ukraine creates a new local through national urban and rural settlement system. New legislation aimed at improving transparency and community engagement offers will allow for all needs to be identified and addressed. Of course, international support will be crucial for post-war reconstruction.  Finding a balance between addressing immediate needs and planning for a sustainable future will be a major challenge, but when done correctly, immediate responses will become active pathways and precursors of the best longer-term reconstruction for a new Ukrainian local-national settlement pattern for climate change and sustainability success and prosperity,

In summary, Ukraine faces unique challenges due to war, but efforts by organizations like UN-Habitat and the International Division of the American Planning Association, along with a host of international planning and sustainability organizations will create safe, inclusive, and resilient cities through sustainable planning and design. It's important to note that the situation is constantly evolving, and this summary provides a general overview as of February 23, 2024.

Urban Public and Green Spaces

In Ukraine, the war’s widespread devastation has paradoxically opened doors for sustainable reconstruction. Despite the destruction of 131,000 residential buildings, 25,000 kilometers of roads, and approximately 2,000 shops, green-minded Ukrainians are envisioning a greener future for their cities. Here are some notable initiatives:

1. Green NGOs in Ukraine: Several non-profits, including Ro3kvit, Restart Ukraine, CEDOS, GreenPeace, and EcoAction, aim to rebuild the country with a focus on sustainability. Hundreds of volunteers from around the world have joined forces to sketch long-term reconstruction blueprints.

2. Governmental Reconstruction Vision: The Ukrainian government has unveiled a reconstruction vision that emphasizes transitioning to a green economy. This marks a groundbreaking attempt at low-carbon reconstruction, addressing both urban design and greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Restrictions on Urban Green Spaces: In 2018, Ukraine imposed restrictions on constructing infrastructure facilities in urban green spaces, including parks, recreational zones, and forests.

4. Renaming and Reclaiming Urban Spaces: During the decommunization process, place re-naming practices have emerged, reflecting a shift in narratives and societal challenges.

In terms of the nature of green space, a few studies illuminate the history and current thinking. In Ukraine, urban green areas (UGAs) play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and providing recreational spaces for residents. A Kharkiv Case Study involved researchers conducting a spatiotemporal analysis of UGAs in Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine. Using urban remote sensing (URS) and GIS, they evaluated the current state and monitored spatial transformations of UGAs. These areas include urban forests, parks, gardens, and green coverage parcels along roads and traffic corridors. The study analyzed the dynamics of UGAs from 1867 to 2019 based on Master Plans, maps, and functional zoning. Peripheral green areas gained importance due to extensive residential development during rapid industrial growth in remote districts. These areas serve as recreational spaces for the population near their living places. Another research focused on courtyards in Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, specifically examining high-rise residential districts. The goal was to estimate the adapting potential of urban vegetation against heatwaves. This emphasizes the importance of greenery in enhancing urban resilience.  In summary, Ukraine recognizes the value of urban green spaces and aims to balance development with sustainability, resilience, and quality of life.  While the war has caused immense suffering, it also presents an opportunity to reimagine Ukrainian cities, fostering sustainability, resilience, and vibrant communities.