How Lviv and its outskirts are being restored

As part of the “Restoration” project, the Ukraїner team visited Lviv and explored a new mother-and-child centre, where we spoke with one of its designers and several residents. We also interviewed a city official about restoring residential buildings damaged by enemy shelling. Additionally, locals from the nearby Horodok community shared their insights into preserving cultural heritage during wartime.

The Unbreakable Mothers project

At the onset of the full-scale invasion, many people from other regions of Ukraine sought refuge in Lviv, including pregnant women and mothers with children. With shelters unable to accommodate everyone and conditions far from ideal for childbirth and child-rearing, the need for a solution became clear. This led to the creation of a temporary village featuring modern housing. The Unbreakable Mothers initiative was developed within the Unbroken ecosystem of rehabilitation and reintegration centres, which we will explore in more detail in the second part, focused on Lviv’s restoration efforts.

The centre comprises two buildings in Lviv’s forest park area. Both structures contain 17 separate modules combined into one two-storey space. Each building has 13 bedrooms, accommodating up to 50 people in total. Alongside the sleeping quarters, the centre provides all necessary amenities, including laundry rooms, showers, lounges, and children’s play areas. This accommodation is designed exclusively for pregnant women and mothers with children.

Taras Sulyk, the project’s architect, shared insights into the centre’s construction. Initially conceived as a basic temporary housing solution, the project evolved after the team assessed the site allocated by the city and saw the potential to create something more substantial:

“Every decision here was driven by the shift from a temporary solution to architecture that not only meets immediate needs but also integrates seamlessly into the urban environment.”

The space was continuously adapted during construction to meet evolving requirements. Built from individual wooden elements, the centre had no rigid design, allowing flexibility to modify the spaces as needed. As an architect, Taras found it fascinating to observe how the place and its purpose evolved over time.

“When we designed the communal areas, we immediately envisioned them as multifunctional, knowing they could be used in different ways later. This was very helpful because, just a month after people moved in, I could already see how each corner could be repurposed.”

The centre was built in 2022 in just three months, given the urgency of the situation – pregnant women couldn’t wait long. However, Taras acknowledged the toll this pace took on the team. Working quickly without compromising quality was non-negotiable, so they had to give it their best. The intensive work also provided a chance to channel their energy into a meaningful purpose.

Architectural technologies and smart solutions sped up the process. The team partnered with a woodworking company, allowing the centre to be built like a modular kit using prefabricated elements. The project budget amounted to up to 27 million UAH ($65,100), excluding landscaping costs.

“It is adequate in terms of fire safety, as it has separate evacuation routes treated with gypsum board sheathing. Plus, there is also wood treatment, done separately for the roof and interior structures. But all the external walls are essentially wooden panels. The foundation is made from foam board, while the roof structures are also wooden.”

The interiors are lined with warm-toned wood, while the exterior features cold metal for contrast. The goal was to create a cosy and comfortable atmosphere, with the house designed in a simple and universally understandable form.

Each house has a large hall functioning as both a reception and communal area. The architects aimed to create a sense of openness, a therapeutic approach to helping displaced people recover after hiding in shelters.

Every building features a small room next to the hall which can be used as either a health centre or an administrative office, depending on the needs. The houses are split into two wings. Inside, there are kitchens and common spaces, where residents can hold events and simply spend time together. A terrace provides access to the park area. Each room accommodates four beds, a small work or dining space, and a relaxation area. Though compact, the accommodation includes all the essentials.

The project was nominated for the 2024 Mies van der Rohe Award from Ukraine and also won the New European Bauhaus award (the European Commission Award for community projects excelling in sustainability and inclusivity – ed.) for its landscape design, which sparked the revitalisation of the entire park. However, the focus is less on the landscape as a work of art and more on how the community uses it and the restoration of the area.

“This is a great example for young architects and communities to see that meaningful community changes do not require grand construction. Small steps, like improving the landscape, can initiate transformation. This is a growing trend in architecture.”

The project involved many companies, both public and private. Taras believes the full-scale invasion created a stronger need for collaboration and greater efficiency. During reconstruction projects, Ukrainian architects stay in touch with international organisations and experts, allowing them to learn new skills and elevate their work. However, such progress won’t happen overnight, as developing the architectural field will take more time than a year or two.

Taras reflects on some of the mistakes made during designing the centre. One issue was managing the temperature inside during planned power outages, which the architect admits should have been considered. Additionally, the external air conditioning units had to be relocated several times, although they were initially planned to be placed separately. Careful planning is essential to avoid mistakes. Communication is equally important: asking residents what they need and how things can be improved allows architects to design more effectively.

Families can stay at the centre for up to two years. This timeframe is based on the idea that a child can be enrolled in kindergarten by the age of two and require special family care until then.
We spoke to a family from Kherson who, as of July 2024, have been living at the Unbreakable Mothers Centre, where they shared their story. The woman, along with her mother and three children, arrived in Lviv and gave birth to her fourth child in the facility. Their house in Kherson was severely damaged, making living conditions increasingly difficult.

The acquaintances contacted the family with a local volunteer, who directed them to the centre. The women, who came from the war-affected regions of Donechchyna, Podniprovia, Zaporizhzhia, and Tavria, describe the community they have found as a second family:

“Someone might be out of onions; someone else might be out of carrots. We all share everything here.”

Although the conditions are pretty comfortable, the family still misses their home and feels the lack of familiar comfort and personal space. The children are slowly adjusting to the new surroundings, though one of the girls sometimes dreams of explosions. They are socialising – attending kindergarten and making friends with local children – although they occasionally struggle sharing toys.

Volunteers regularly visit the centre to work with the children, and psychologists also provide support. The displaced women say they feel lucky to have a psychologist named Bozhena.

“When she first came to our room, the children were scared. One of my daughters climbed onto the top bunk and hid under the blanket. But now, they get on really well. They kiss and hug each other.”

The family dreams of having their own home in Kherson or another Ukrainian city. Despite the option to move abroad, they chose to stay, determined to remain in their homeland.

New life of residential buildings

In July 2023, Lviv endured one of the heaviest shellings. A Russian missile struck a residential building, claiming the lives of ten people and leaving dozens more homeless.

The heaviest damage was inflicted on a local architectural monument at 64 Stryiska Street, built in 1925. This early functionalist-style building with its large inner courtyard, known locally as “the drum”, bore the brunt of the attack. Three neighbouring buildings were also severely affected, with destruction hitting the second and third floors. Many nearby buildings had shuttered windows and doors.

In 52 apartments, the living conditions became uninhabitable, forcing residents to move to temporary shelters. Over time, they managed to find rental apartments, with the city covering the rental costs. Additionally, local authorities have allocated nearly 40 million UAH (roughly $970,000) for internal repairs, reimbursing residents for renovation work. The key condition is that the funds must be spent specifically on repairs within this building, not for other uses.

Immediately after the shelling, a special commission decided to initiate reconstruction. Lviv’s district administrations took charge of minor damages in the surrounding houses, such as replacing windows, doors, and roofs, while the city administration handled the most extensive damage. Local entrepreneurs and developers also assisted in clearing debris and preparing for further work.

The restoration process has been intricate and time-consuming. The emergency repair works have been completed by July 2024. Liubomyr Zubach, a representative of Lviv’s city authority, described the reconstruction process:

“We started with demolitions because, although some parts of the building appeared [fine], they were damaged with cracks and had to be completely dismantled. After that, we restored the floors, rebuilt the walls, and installed roofs, windows, and doors.”

Liubomyr emphasises that during the war, the enemy seeks to destroy Ukraine’s cultural heritage and national identity. Therefore, preserving and restoring historical monuments is of utmost importance.

“We must take care of cultural heritage without question. [Preserving it] is one of the most important responses we can give to the enemy, and this also extends to our historic buildings.”

Liubomyr explains that Ukrainian state regulation allows for fast-tracking restoration if buildings are damaged by missile strikes. As a result, the emergency repairs were swiftly completed, with the next stage focusing on full restoration, including facade reconstruction.

Oleh Polishchuk, head of Lviv’s municipal enterprise Rembud, explained that since the buildings are historical monuments, the authorities aim to restore them to their pre-destruction condition. However, finding materials used in construction a century ago has proven difficult. For instance, tiles had to be ordered from Germany, as no suitable matches could be found in Ukraine. The decision was made to keep the original wooden windows, and the stairs were assembled using a surviving building as a model. Additionally, old building remnants had to be integrated with new materials.

Lviv plans to fund the restoration of these buildings from its budget, with minimal reliance on grants from international organisations. Only the staircase reconstruction was financed by Warsaw. At the same time, UNESCO supported the construction of shelters, as the city centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the damaged buildings lie within its buffer zone.

“Despite the immense difficulties and pressure of impact, Lviv is capable [to handle the task]. Urban development still drives economic activity, and this is crucial. Everyone needs to understand that the war will partly be won through economic resilience. We are doing everything we can to ensure a strong foundation for the economy to endure and grow.”

Not all projects are solely funded by the city. For example, in developing the Unbroken rehabilitation ecosystem, Lviv relied on support from other cities and international organisations. Liubomyr emphasises the necessity of seeking external funding whenever possible. However, after airstrikes, the municipal authorities couldn’t wait to submit grant applications and hold competitions, as immediate restoration of people’s homes was essential.

Liubomyr stresses the importance of unity. After the missile strike, entrepreneurs stepped in to offer help, while ordinary citizens brought water and food.

“I hope this sense of unity stays with us after victory. When we begin rebuilding and developing the country, I want Ukrainians to work together rather than turn against each other. It’s easier to unite in opposition to something, but it’s much harder to come together and create something lasting.”

Preserving Horodok’s cultural heritage

Horodok, a town near Lviv, recently restored its local library, key cultural hub and architectural landmark. It has been transformed into a modern space for educational and cultural events. As part of Lviv-centred agglomeration, Horodok’s proximity to the city encourages young people to stay. The town also hosts active businesses, and commuting to Lviv for work is convenient.

The Horodok community team applied for a grant from the Ukrainian organisation Cedos (a think tank focused on social, economic, and political issues – ed.). Of around 310 applications, only 10-20 projects were selected for implementation, and Horodok was fortunate to be among them.

Iryna Tochena, the head of the Economic Development, Investment, and International Technical Assistance Department of the Horodok Town Council, explains why restoring the library became a priority despite the challenges of wartime:

“The message was clear: there is a war, but we must still create opportunities so that both our children and we have spaces to unite, express ourselves, and discuss various topics. In other words, communities are crucial in developing towns, regions, and countries as a whole.”

According to Iryna, one of the key factors in the application’s success was the strength of the team that had been assembled. A well-structured collaboration among the authorities, the public, and the donor had already been established, ensuring the entire community was involved in the project. All parties were interested in creating this space. The library had previously hosted various events, making its enhancement relevant to the locals. Additionally, the building’s status as a 19th-century monument played a significant role in securing the grant.

The library, built in 1894 by Ukrainian attorney Lonhyn Ozarkevych, has a rich history. His wife, Olesia Bazhanska, was a renowned pianist throughout Halychyna. Notably, the writer and lawyer Les Martovych, who was also Ozarkevych’s assistant, lived and worked here for three years. The house also attracted prominent 20th-century figures like international opera star Solomiia Krushelnytska and renowned Ukrainian writer Ivan Franko, who also worked there. At the beginning of the 20th century, the attorney’s daughter, Oksana Biretska, established a branch of a music institute in the building.

The team successfully implemented their plans, transforming the library into a vibrant hub for cultural gatherings within the community. The total project budget reached one million hryvnias (roughly $24,200), with almost all covered by Cedos, while 20% came from the city budget.

Anton Zheleznov, a Kharkiv School of Architecture representative, played a crucial role in designing the space. Each stage of the project presented challenges, as architects, contractors, and the target audience sometimes had different views on the construction. Nevertheless, they were able to find common ground. During the project’s implementation, the community also collaborated with students from the architectural school, who even completed internships in Horodok.

Since April 2024, the library has operated as a new space, evolving into an art school. Iryna notes that it now hosts book presentations, art exhibitions, and concerts. Children often visit the library just to experience its space, which they find captivating. Surrounded by books, the library staff actively encourages them to read. It plays a defining role in shaping cultural communities, bringing people together in meaningful ways.

There is a viewpoint that investing in cultural and educational facilities is untimely, arguing that funds should rather support the military and help frontline communities rebuild. Iryna agrees that investing in the army and communities that have suffered greater damage is necessary. However, she stresses the importance of paying attention to the needs of children, who represent Ukraine’s future.

“A young generation is growing up in the community. Development cannot be halted because victory will come, and they will live in this country and build it, so they must be educated. It’s essential to balance wisely and direct funds, opportunities, and all efforts towards the front, while also prioritising community growth. Our children must learn, grow, and realise that Ukraine can offer them opportunities.”

The war has led numerous people from other regions of Ukraine to settle in the community, highlighting a strong demand for such a centre. As of July 2024, approximately one thousand internally displaced persons reside in Horodok, where they are actively involved in events and informed about the services offered in the space. Additionally, participating in cultural projects helps to unite the new residents and introduce them to the traditions of western Ukraine.

The library offers a shared space designed for events and a reading room. During the renovation, the team made efforts to preserve historical elements, such as the stove, floors, and doors, while also improving the building’s functionality. Library director Yuliia Durbak highlights the space’s inclusivity, noting the presence of ramps and accessible restrooms.

Even before the library’s renovation, its staff frequently organised family reading sessions and children’s performances. Today, with the upgraded facilities and resources, it’s much easier to host these activities, and the community finds it more convenient to gather here. Yuliia notes:

“We purchased computers and a projector, which we didn’t have before. So, in this regard, things have improved a little. Our technical base has been enhanced with new tables, chairs, lecterns, and shelves. The library now looks completely different compared to how it was.”

The library’s collection has also been updated, while Russian books were sent for recycling. The director adds:

“Last year (2023 – ed.), the city council allocated funds for us to purchase new books, but this was for the entire system, not just the Horodok library. My colleagues and I also actively search potential donors, even on social media.”

Iryna and Yuliia advise communities seeking grant funds for their projects to form a cohesive team of like-minded people with a shared vision. They believe it’s crucial to develop project management skills within the community, which involves creating departments and assigning responsibilities. In their view, the third key to success is having a genuine desire and belief in both the project and the community.