Over the three years of full-scale war, Russia has destroyed or damaged 485 cultural sites across 15 regions of Ukraine. Many of these structures hold significant architectural and artistic value in Ukrainian history. Yet, Ukraine continues to push forward with reconstruction and restoration.
Architects from EU countries are playing a vital role in this effort. For example, Fulco Treffers from the Netherlands contributed to the strategy for rebuilding Mariupol as a memorial city, while the restoration project for the university in Irpin is a collaboration between Ukrainian architects and two architectural firms from Rotterdam.
This kind of cross-border cooperation is not new. For centuries, architects from what are now EU countries have influenced Ukraine's architectural landscape, while also learning from local practices and approaches. How did this interaction unfold a century ago, and what role do Ukrainian architects play in the broader European tradition? This article explores these questions.
Since the era of Rus, Ukrainian lands have been part of the European cultural space. When the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western in the IV century, Rus came under Byzantine cultural influence. While this influence was significant, Ukrainian architects also borrowed elements from the West. For instance, when many European countries were developing the Romanesque style - characterized by thick walls and small windows - Ukrainians incorporated similar techniques. A notable example is the XII-century Church of St. Panteleimon in the village of Shevchenkove in the Ivano-Frankivsk region, reportedly built by craftsmen from modern-day Hungary.
The Gothic style prevailed across Western Europe during the XII to XV centuries. At this time, the Ukrainian lands struggled with the Mongol invasion. Despite limited funds and resources, architects incorporated Gothic elements into Ukrainian buildings. Members of national communities, mainly Germans, introduced new construction techniques and created unique architectural landmarks. One such example is the Latin Cathedral in Lviv, which became the centre of the Roman Catholic community.
Monastic orders were important popularizers of architectural styles in the Middle Ages. Many monuments in Ukraine were built at their expense. However, Ukrainian lands' most common Gothic buildings were still defensive structures, such as the Staryi Zamok (Old Castle) in Kamianets-Podilskyi and the fortress in Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi.
The Renaissance brought new trends in architecture to the European continent. In Ukraine, this style, like the Gothic style, was used mainly for defense structures. At the same time, Italian architects
who arrived in this land in the XVI century left their mark on the civilian buildings of Ukrainian cities.
Most Italians settled in Lviv, where residents had money and needed to rebuild the city after a great fire in 1527. This can be clearly seen in Rynok Square, which is surrounded by Renaissance buildings designed by Italian architects: the Korniakt Kam'ianytsia (Korniakt Palace), the Chorna Kam'ianytsia (Black Palace), and many others. The ensemble of the Dormition Church, designed by the Italian from Lviv, Pavlo Roman, is considered the pearl of the Renaissance in Ukraine.
The Baroque style succeeded the Renaissance in Europe and had a profound impact on Ukrainian architecture. A standout example is St. George's Cathedral in Lviv, designed by German-born architects Bernard Meretyn and Sebastian Fesinger.
The establishment of the Hetmanate on the left bank of the Dnipro River spurred the development of a unique national Baroque style. While influenced by Central European Baroque and introduced by foreign masters, this style evolved with distinct local characteristics.
Following the Baroque era, the more restrained Classicism swept through Europe. Many Classical monuments remain in Ukraine, particularly in the port city of Odesa, where Italian architect Francesco Boffo made his mark. The XIX century ushered in Historicism, with renowned Ukrainian architect Vladyslav Horodetskyi embracing the style. He designed several iconic Kyiv landmarks, including the Church of St. Nicholas, the House with Chimeras, and the Benderskyi apartment building.
After the Bolsheviks seized power, Vladyslav Horodetskyi emigrated to Poland, where he designed a casino in Otwock and a bathhouse in Zgierz.
Ukrainian artists had a significant influence on another architectural style - Constructivism. Kazymyr Malevych and Volodymyr Tatlin
contributed to its creation. Many architects, including the outstanding Zaha Hadid, were inspired by the spatial ideas they presented in their works. Ukrainian artists and architects continue to be highly regarded in the EU.
Modern European integration has deepened collaboration between Ukrainian and foreign architectural communities.
Ukraine is now fully engaged in European practices. Since 2022, the National Union of Architects of Ukraine (NUAU) has been an associate member of the Architectural Council of Europe and actively collaborates with European partners to integrate the Ukrainian architectural community into the EU,
says Kyrylo Chuiko, architect and head of the NUAU's public relations committee.
Ukrainian architects are earning increasing recognition abroad. In 2023, 11 Ukrainian projects were nominated for the prestigious European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture - Mies van der Rohe Award. Among them is Module of Temporality, a temporary cultural space in Kyiv constructed from 27 shipping containers. This innovative structure can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled in under 10 days, demonstrating the adaptability and creativity of contemporary Ukrainian architecture.
The list also includes the revitalized rotunda of a modernist complex on Reitarska Street in Kyiv and several residential buildings. These achievements are helping Ukrainian architects strengthen ties with their European counterparts, fostering the exchange of practices and ideas.
Ukrainian architects are not only crucial for realizing their own projects but also for adapting foreign ones. International firms often rely on local expertise to rebuild destroyed structures.
Even renowned architects need local partners when working in another country. Navigating local legislation is a challenge, and it's the local architects who adapt projects to meet local regulations and oversee their implementation,
explains Kyrylo Chuiko.
Today, many architectural trends unite Ukraine and the EU, such as the use of eco-friendly materials, incorporation of local traditions, and focus on inclusivity. These shared approaches and values drive the development of architecture and strengthen cultural ties between Ukraine and the European Union - an essential component of Ukraine's European integration journey.
