Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, the architecture studio Balbek Bureau has launched a series of impactful social initiatives under the banner of RE:Ukraine. These efforts encompass the development of a temporary housing system, the establishment of a social support and rehabilitation center, and various cultural heritage preservation projects. A standout endeavor is RE:Ukraine Villages, which employs a digital constructor to safeguard Ukraine’s rural architecture. To collect essential data on regional specifics, volunteers have been actively researching and documenting Ukraine’s unique material culture using online resources. The destruction of village houses due to shelling presents the danger of losing this cultural heritage permanently, as there is limited prior documentation available.
To address the academic gap surrounding this topic, RE:Ukraine Villages has joined forces with Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture (KNUCA). This collaboration allows students to engage in the creation of 3D models of traditional rural houses (khatas) and settlements, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for Ukraine’s architectural legacy.
Topics
Social Good
Innovations
