Preserving the Capital's Heritage: An Urban Center Reconstructing Its Foundations in the Shadow of War.

Lesia Danylenko beamed with pride as she displayed her freshly fitted front door. Volunteers had affectionately dubbed its elegant transom window the “pastry”, a playful reference to its bowed shape. “I think it’s more of a peafowl,” she commented, admiring its twig-detailed features. The refurbishment initiative at one of Kyiv’s turn-of-the-century art nouveau houses was supported by residents, who celebrated with several neighbourhood pavement parties.

It was also an demonstration of resistance towards a neighboring state, she explained: “Our aim is to live like normal people in spite of the war. It’s about organizing our life in the most positive way. Fear does not drive us of remaining in our country. I could have left, relocating to another European nation. Instead, I’m here. The new entrance shows our allegiance 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 built legacy could be considered strange at a moment when aerial assaults regularly target the capital, resulting in death and destruction. Since the start of the current year, bombing campaigns have been notably increased. After each strike, workers board up blown-out windows with plywood and try, where possible, to salvage residential buildings.

Among the Conflict, a Fight for Beauty

In the midst of war, a group of activists has been attempting to save the city’s decaying mansions, built in a playful style known as Ukrainian modernism. Danylenko’s house is in the central Shevchenkivskyi district. It was erected in 1906 and was originally the home of a wealthy fur dealer. Its facade is decorated with horse chestnut leaves and fine camomile flowers.

“These buildings represent symbols of Kyiv. These properties are increasingly scarce nowadays,” Danylenko noted. The residence was designed by an architect of Central European origin. Several other buildings nearby showcase similar art nouveau elements, including a lack of symmetry – with a gothic tower on one side and a projection on the other. One much-loved house in the area features two sullen white stucco cats, as well as owls, masks and a imp.

Dual Threats to Heritage

But military aggression is only one threat. Preservation campaigners say they face unprincipled developers who demolish protected buildings, corrupt officials and a political leadership unconcerned or opposed to the city’s rich architectural history. The severe winter climate imposes another burden.

“Kyiv is a city where wealth dictates. We are missing genuine political will to save our heritage,” said Dmytro Perov, an activist. He claimed the city’s leadership was closely associated with many of the developers who flatten important houses. Perov stated that the plan for the capital is reminiscent of a previous decade. The mayor rejects these claims, stating they come from political rivals.

Perov said many of the public-spirited activists who once defended older properties were now serving in the military or had been fallen. The protracted conflict meant that everyone was facing monetary strain, he added, including judicial figures who curiously ruled in favour of questionable new-build schemes. “The longer this continues the more we see deterioration of our society and governing institutions,” he argued.

Destruction and Disregard

One egregious demolition site is in the riverside Podil neighbourhood. The street was the site of classical 19th-century houses. A developer who obtained the plot had pledged to preserve its charming brick facade. In the immediate aftermath of the 2022 invasion, diggers demolished it. Recently, a crane prepared foundations for a new retail and office development, observed by a stern 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 “archaeological research”, he said. A 20th-century empire also caused immense damage on the capital, reconstructing its primary street after the second world war so it could allow for military vehicles.

Upholding the Legacy

One of Kyiv’s most renowned advocates of historic buildings, a heritage expert, was killed in 2022 while serving in the frontline. His colleague Nelli Chudna said she and other volunteers were persevering in his vital preservation work. There were initially 3,500 masonry mansions in Kyiv, many built for the city’s successful entrepreneurs. Only 80 of their original doors survived, she said.

“It was not external attacks that eliminated them. It was us,” she lamented. “The war could go on for another 20 years. If we don’t defend architecture now not a thing will be left,” she added. Chudna recently helped to restore a unique ivy-draped house built in 1910, which acts as the headquarters of her cultural organization and operates as a film set and museum. The property has a new vermilion portal and original-style railings; inside is a period bathroom and antique mirrors.

“The war could last another 20 years. If we fail to protect architecture now not a thing will be left.”

The building’s occupant, artist Yurii Pikul, described his home as “very cool 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 go to the west. But we are still some distance away from civilization,” he said. Outdated ways of thinking persisted, with people reluctant to take personal responsibility for their built surroundings, he added.

Hope in Restoration

Some buildings are crumbling because of bureaucratic indifference. Chudna pointed to a once-magical villa hidden behind a modern hospital. Its roof had caved in; pigeons nested among its broken windows; debris lay under a storybook tower. “Frequently we lose the battle,” she admitted. “Restoration is a form of healing for us. We are attempting to save all this heritage and aesthetic value.”

In the face of destruction and commercial interests, these activists continue their work, one door at a time, believing that to save a city’s heart, you must first cherish its walls.