Developing a community for war-affected individuals in Ukraine.
Vid Sertsya Budova is an organization based near Kyiv, Ukraine, that focuses on developing a new community for people affected by the war, with particular emphasis on internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans, and returning refugees. The planned site is in Bilohorodka, about five kilometers from Kyiv, within the Bucha region—a place of historical and cultural significance. The project aims to construct a “smart city” with a self-sustaining design that spans 34 hectares, with potential expansion to 108 hectares. The target is to provide housing for up to 15,000 people, offering 5,000 residential units, with nearly a third specifically allocated for those impacted by conflict. The city is planned as a mixed-use development, divided into thematic neighborhoods: social, sports, creative, technology, and business. These would include amenities such as schools, healthcare facilities, sports complexes, coworking spaces, and business incubators. The initiative also prioritizes sustainable infrastructure, including energy, water, food, and waste management systems, and follows guidelines inspired by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Recent collaboration with international partners, such as academic institutions and planning experts, has helped refine the project’s design and scope. While Vid Sertsya Budova’s ambitions are large, with a vision of inclusivity and resilience, the initiative remains in the planning and preparatory phase, working to secure the resources and partnerships needed to realize its vision.