How to Design for Dignity During Times of War | Slava Balbek | TED

A Journey from Architect to Humanitarian

Transitioning Roles Amidst Conflict

• The speaker shares their experience as a member of the Aerial Reconnaissance Unit, transitioning from using drones for architectural purposes to aiding Ukrainian artillery in targeting.

• Two years prior, the speaker identified as a CEO of an architectural studio and co-owner of cafes in Kyiv, highlighting their entrepreneurial background.

• Despite ongoing missile attacks in Kyiv, the speaker finds solace at home while balancing military volunteer work with their architectural career.

• The contrast between life in Kyiv and the front lines is stark; the speaker reflects on productivity found amidst distress in trenches compared to office settings.

• Before the invasion, they were engaged in significant architectural projects but faced an abrupt shift due to war.

The Impact of War on Community and Identity

• The onset of war led to shock and numbness among peers; many fled or sheltered while some took up arms for defense.

• A revelation emerged: fear needed transformation into action. The speaker transitioned from café owner to co-founder of an emergency kitchen within days.

• Partnering with local restaurants, they established "Kyiv Volunteer," mobilizing diverse community members around humanitarian efforts.

• On peak days, they served up to 15,000 meals daily to military units and medics while addressing urgent needs like shelter and medicine amidst uncertainty.

• Conversations during humanitarian missions revealed a deep craving for a sense of home beyond physical structures—symbolized by cherished personal items.

Redefining Architecture Through Empathy

• Observations led to insights about home being a sanctuary; architecture can heal when designed with empathy amid trauma recovery.

• Recognizing their identity as architects even during crisis prompted the team to initiate RE:Ukraine Housing project focused on temporary housing solutions.

• They aimed to elevate standards for temporary accommodations, moving away from typical refugee camps towards dignified living spaces that cater to various family dynamics.

• Emphasizing dignity became central; designs included communal areas fostering connections between displaced individuals and host communities without spatial segregation.

RE:Ukraine - A Recovery Program for Displaced People

Overview of RE:Ukraine Initiative

• The RE:Ukraine project aims to assist displaced individuals in rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society, addressing the global challenge of displacement due to war and climate change.

• Although focused on Ukraine, the model is designed to be replicable in other regions facing similar crises.

Community Resilience and Restoration Efforts

• Local communities prioritize immediate restoration efforts after attacks, focusing on public spaces like schools and hospitals, despite ongoing threats.

• For private housing recovery, RE:Ukraine Villages was developed as a free online tool that provides step-by-step manuals for homeowners to restore or design new homes.

Tool Functionality and Design Considerations

• The tool generates comprehensive guides including floor plans, façade scans, technical descriptions, and material lists tailored for rural housing restoration.

• Research began in the Kyiv region to incorporate local architectural styles; architects documented various roofing types, windows, and cornices across villages.

Unique House Configurations

• The development team created an accessible tool capable of generating over 211 million unique house configurations specifically for the Kyiv region.

• Each house design utilizes modern materials while maintaining a familiar aesthetic reminiscent of traditional Ukrainian homes.

Challenges Faced During Implementation

• In late 2022, power plant attacks by Russia led to significant challenges; teams had to adapt their work schedules around power outages.

• Innovative solutions emerged during this period, such as using car inverters to charge computers amidst blackouts.

Reflections on Progress Amidst Adversity

• The speaker expresses pride in accomplishments achieved under difficult circumstances but emphasizes the potential for greater achievements without the constraints of war.