In the face of Russia’s unprovoked, full-scale invasion of Ukraine—a war that has destroyed or existentially threatened Ukrainians’ lives, culture, natural landscape, and infrastructure—the Ukrainian resistance has used architecture to gain agency over their environment. Constructing Hope: Ukraine at the Center for Architecture presents the work of over 20 participants from assorted creative disciplines who are using architectural skills, methods, and techniques to adapt to their dangerous present and uncertain future. By showcasing the clever, resourceful, and exquisite projects built during an ongoing invasion, Constructing Hope reveals architecture’s critical role in fashioning a story of creation, optimism, and solidarity—a story that runs counter to scenes of sheer destruction.
Curators of the exhibition bring together a wide range of projects—from modular furniture designs and housing for internally displaced people to detailed documentation of destroyed buildings and spatial memories. These constructs of hope, created from within a humanitarian crisis, actively help Ukrainians by fostering mutual aid and functioning as crucial support networks for entire communities. By sharing the work of these creative Ukrainian visionaries, Constructing Hope shows us how there will always be a way to build a better future.
The exhibition is curated by Ashley Bigham, Betty Roytburd, Sasha Topolnytska and will be on view at the Center for Architecture from May 2–September 3.
