Enter the AIA New York | Center for Architecture in Greenwich Village and be immediately confronted with the tragic consequences of the Russo-Ukrainian War: an exhibit of replicas of the abandoned or destroyed homes of displaced Ukrainians modeled from their memories. Constructing Hope is a bold exhibition that demonstrates that creative forces are at work even now. Rebuilding what was lost and building anew.
Our Apartments, Houses, Cottages, Garages, Offices and Backyards. Remnants of destroyed and abandoned homes in Ukraine. For example, hundreds of educational institutes have been destroyed. An exhibit of designs from one school - Kharkiv School of Architecture - shows how the now limited space for learning and recreation can be addressed. Students there designed portable classroom furniture and spaces for learning and recreation that can be easily made or built using simple materials and tools.
With Ukraine's traditional trading partners now adversaries and its own manufacturing compromised, Ukraine is building new partnerships. One destroyed building can mean a lot of broken windows in surrounding buildings. Considering the fierce winter in that part of the world, this effectively means that these buildings must be abandoned too. Window exhibits how the BRDA Foundation is sending thousands of slightly damaged or defective windows from manufacturers in Poland to replace the broken ones in Ukraine.
Honestly, I have my doubts about this war. So much destruction. Many Russian and Ukrainian immigrants live in Brooklyn. They dined in the same restaurants, went to the same churches and their friends and family freely mingled. Now there's strife. After all, their loved ones in Europe are killing each other. Other New Yorkers are supportive. We want Ukraine restored and Russia to respect its sovereignty. We patronize their businesses, donate and voice our support in other ways.
The Center for Architecture's exhibition is encouraging and optimistic. Visit and you may leave with at least some hope.