Urbanism in a Time of War

The suburbs outside Chernihiv

This is the first in a series of posts reflecting on urbanism and rebuilding efforts in Ukraine following the Russian invasion in 2022.

I have learned that war is noise. The drums of war are deafening here in Kyiv and in other Ukrainian cities, with constant air raid sirens and explosions as the air defense shoots down incoming Russian missiles. Occasionally a missile makes it through, rocking the entire neighborhood and triggering shrieking car alarms. And there’s the groan of military and aid vehicles rumbling through the streets.

But if you listen closely, below that thunderous percussion, a quiet orchestra of string instruments is playing.

I came to Ukraine in 2022 after receiving an appeal from urban planning colleagues asking me if I could bring used bicycles to the country. I responded immediately and eagerly. Little did I know that I would end up dedicating two and a half years — and counting — to helping the people of Ukraine with both bicycles and urbanism.

The music started with the arrival of used bicycles, which are now used to deliver humanitarian aid, food, water, and medicine to the most vulnerable citizens in the most devastated areas. Social workers and volunteers pedal tirelessly in over 35 cities and towns on bicycles laden with essential goods. A long list of urbanism and architecture projects now…