Safeguarding Kyiv's Heritage: An Urban Center Reconstructing Itself Amidst the Onslaught of Conflict.

Lesia Danylenko proudly presented her freshly fitted front door. Volunteers had playfully nicknamed its elegant transom window the “crescent roll”, a lighthearted tribute to its arched shape. “I think it’s more of a peacock,” she stated, gazing at its branch-like details. The refurbishment initiative at one of Kyiv’s pre-World War I art nouveau houses was made possible by residents, who commemorated the work with two neighbourhood pavement parties.

It was also an expression of resistance against an invading force, she elaborated: “We are trying to live like normal people regardless of the war. It’s about shaping our life in the best possible way. Fear does not drive us of remaining in our homeland. The possibility to emigrate existed, starting anew to Italy. Instead, I’m here. The new entrance symbolizes our commitment to our homeland.”

“We are trying to live like ordinary people despite the war. It’s about arranging our life in the optimal way.”

Preserving Kyiv’s architectural heritage may appear paradoxical at a moment when drone attacks routinely fall the capital, causing death and destruction. Since the start of the current year, aerial raids have been dramatically stepped up. After each assault, workers cover blown-out windows with plywood and attempt, where possible, to secure residential buildings.

Amid the Conflict, a Campaign for Identity

In the midst of war, a group of activists has been striving to save 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 constructed in 1906 and was first the home of a wealthy fur dealer. Its outer walls is decorated with horse chestnut leaves and intricate camomile flowers.

“They are symbols of Kyiv. These properties are quite rare nowadays,” Danylenko said. The building was designed by an architect of Austrian-German origin. Several other buildings in the vicinity showcase similar art nouveau characteristics, including a lack of symmetry – with a gothic tower on one side and a small tower on the other. One beloved house in the area features two sullen white stucco cats, as well as owls, masks and a imp.

Dual Dangers to History

But military aggression is only one threat. Preservation campaigners say they face unscrupulous developers who raze listed buildings, dishonest officials and a governing class indifferent or hostile to the city’s vast architectural history. The bitter winter climate adds another challenge.

“Kyiv is a city where capital prevails. We are missing real political will to save our heritage,” said Dmytro Perov, an activist. He claimed the city’s leadership was friends with many of the developers who flatten important houses. Perov further alleged that the concept for the capital comes straight out of a previous decade. The mayor denies these claims, saying they originate from political rivals.

Perov said many of the civically minded activists who once defended older properties were now fighting on the frontline or had been killed. The lengthy conflict meant that the entire society was facing economic hardship, he added, including judicial figures who curiously ruled in favour of dubious new-build schemes. “The longer this goes on the more we see decline of our society and public institutions,” he contended.

Demolition and Abandonment

One glaring location of loss is in the riverside Podil neighbourhood. The street was the site of classical 19th-century houses. A developer who purchased the plot had pledged to preserve its attractive brick facade. Shortly following the onset of major hostilities, diggers razed it to the ground. Recently, a crane dug foundations for a new commercial complex, watched by a unfriendly security guard.

Anatolii Pohorily, a heritage supporter, said there was faint chance for the remaining blue-green houses on the site. Sometimes developers destroyed old properties while asserting they were doing “scientific study”, he said. A 20th-century empire also wrought immense damage on the capital, redesigning its main thoroughfare after the second world war so it could allow for military vehicles.

Carrying the Torch

One of Kyiv’s most prominent champions of historic buildings, a tour guide and blogger, was killed in 2022 while serving in the frontline. His colleague Nelli Chudna said she and other volunteers were carrying on his vital preservation work. There were initially 3,500 stone mansions in Kyiv, many constructed for the city’s wealthy entrepreneurs. Only 80 of their authentic doors survived, she said.

“It wasn’t external attacks that eliminated them. It was us,” she said with regret. “The war could go on for another 20 years. If we neglect architecture now not a thing will be left,” she added. Chudna recently helped to restore a full of character 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 historic washroom and antique mirrors.

“The war could go on for another 20 years. If we don’t defend architecture now not a thing will be left.”

The building’s tenant, artist Yurii Pikul, described his home as “incredibly atmospheric and a little bit cold”. Why do many locals not appreciate the past? “Unfortunately they do not have education and taste. It’s all about business. We are striving as a country to go to the west. But we are still not yet close from that standard,” he said. Outdated ways of thinking remained, with people reluctant to take personal responsibility for their architectural setting, he added.

Resilience in Action

Some buildings are collapsing because of bureaucratic indifference. Chudna pointed to a once-magical villa hidden behind a modern hospital. Its roof had caved in; pigeons roosted among its shattered windows; rubbish lay under a whimsical tower. “Frequently we don’t win,” she conceded. “Preservation work is a form of healing for us. We are striving to save all this heritage and beauty.”

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