Chicago Architecture Center explores what rebuilding war-torn Ukraine might look like

Key Takeaways:

• Exhibition highlights grassroots efforts to rebuild Ukraine amid ongoing war.
• Innovative designs offer practical solutions to war-induced challenges.
• Symbolic tape patterns on windows represent the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
• Chicago’s Ukrainian heritage is explored through local institutions.
• The exhibition underscores the critical need for international support.

Constructing Hope: Ukraine’s Path to Recovery Unveiled in Chicago

An exhibition at the Chicago Architecture Center is shedding light on the innovative ways Ukrainians are rebuilding their war-torn country. “Constructing Hope: Ukraine,” running through September 1, spotlights grassroots organizations that are not only reconstructing physical spaces but also restoring the spirit of a nation.

A Mission Born from Destruction

After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, architects Sasha Topolnytska and Ashley Bigham, along with artist Betty Roytburd, mobilized to support relief efforts. The trio curated the exhibition to highlight the remarkable endeavors of their colleagues back home.

“We know the people in most of these organizations personally—they’re our colleagues,” says Roytburd, who is Ukrainian American. “I’ve been wanting to highlight their efforts in various ways, so it’s been very rewarding to be able to tell their story.”

Innovative Solutions to New Challenges

The exhibition features projects like MetaLab, a Ukrainian NGO designing easy-to-assemble modular furniture, making essential furnishings accessible amid supply shortages. Another standout is First-Aid Spatial Kit, which develops transportable play structures for children affected by displacement.

One of the poignant displays comes from Prykarpattian Theater, an artist collective that constructs miniature models of destroyed homes based on interviews with war victims. Mounted on simple shipping-crate pedestals, these Thorne-like miniatures offer a visceral connection to personal losses suffered.

Symbolism Through Tape and Art

Throughout the exhibition, a recurring motif catches the eye: crisscrossing, sunflower-gold patterns. Designed by Aliona Solomadina, a graphic designer displaced by the war, these patterns are inspired by the tape civilians affix to windows in combat zones. In the event of an airstrike, the tape helps prevent shattered glass from scattering.

“People started taping the windows in these intricate patterns,” Topolnytska explains. “It became an important visual representation of resistance.”

Overcoming Obstacles in Rebuilding

The war has created cascading challenges in Ukraine. Replacing broken windows has become nearly impossible since the country previously imported 80% of its glass from Russia and Belarus, and most domestic glass factories have been destroyed. In response, a foundation featured in the exhibition collaborates with Polish architects to repurpose old windows for reuse, even publishing an IKEA-style, open-source catalog to aid installations.

Chicago’s Ukrainian Ties

Adding a local dimension, the exhibition showcases Chicago-area Ukrainian churches and institutions. Among them is the Ukrainian National Museum, founded in 1952 by displaced scholars. Its new executive director, Zachary Dmyterko, has deep roots in the community.

“I had family members who were deported to Siberia; I had family members who were killed by the NKVD, the secret police of the Soviet Union. To stay would have been to die,” Dmyterko shares.

Chicago has long been a sanctuary for Ukrainian immigrants, with waves dating back to the late 19th century when Ukrainian Village was established. The exhibition acknowledges this history while highlighting the ongoing struggles and resilience of Ukrainians today.

A Call for International Support

When asked about the exhibition opening during a time of heightened tensions, Topolnytska emphasizes the enduring nature of the conflict. “We’re resilient to the changes because constantly there has been something new,” she says. “The most important thing is telling the story of regular people in Ukraine who are trying to survive the disaster, and who need support. They need international support.”

Architecture as a Beacon of Hope

“Constructing Hope: Ukraine” transcends traditional architectural exhibitions by focusing on how design responds to widespread devastation. It illustrates the power of architecture not just to rebuild structures, but to restore communities and hope.

As Eleanor Gorski, president and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, reflects, “I think there are a lot of learnings from the resiliency of the people we see in the Ukraine and the ingenious way they’re addressing their circumstances.”

“Constructing Hope: Ukraine” runs through September 1 at the Chicago Architecture Center, 111 E. Wacker Drive. Admission is $15. For more information, visit architecture.org.