Being a Ukrainian Architect During Wartime

Main Themes and Topics

Being a Ukrainian Architect During Wartime by Ievgeniia Gubkina delves into the devastating impact of war on both human life and cultural heritage, particularly within the realm of architecture. The book is a poignant exploration of how the Russian invasion of Ukraine has led to the destruction of numerous buildings and heritage sites, altering the landscapes of cities such as Kharkiv. Gubkina, herself an architectural historian forced to flee her homeland, provides a unique perspective that blends personal experiences with a professional critique of the war's ramifications on urban structures and architectural practices.

The narrative is deeply embedded in the challenges faced by architects and architectural historians during wartime. It not only documents the physical damages inflicted on Ukraine's architectural marvels but also touches upon the broader implications of cultural loss and the resilience required to reclaim and rebuild identity through architecture. Gubkina's work captures the tension between preservation and destruction, highlighting the urgent need to safeguard cultural heritage even amidst crisis.

Writing Style and Tone

Gubkina's writing is characterized by its immediacy and journalistic flair, transcending the typical academic discourse and venturing into the realms of war reporting. Her style is both engaging and accessible, rendering complex architectural insights understandable to a broader audience. The tone of the book is understandably somber, yet it is also infused with a deep sense of resilience and hope. Gubkina employs evocative language to convey the emotional and physical toll of the war on Ukraine's architectural identity, painting vivid pictures of shattered cities and the indomitable spirit of their people.

The book is structured around various essays and papers that Gubkina published globally during the initial months of the conflict. This fragmented yet cohesive compilation mirrors the chaotic and unpredictable nature of life during wartime, providing readers with a raw and unfiltered look at the immediate effects of the invasion.

Brief Summary

Being a Ukrainian Architect During Wartime offers a compilation of articles and essays initially disseminated across various platforms during the first eight months of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Within the book, Ievgeniia Gubkina shares her personal journey and professional observations after being forced to leave her hometown of Kharkiv. Now residing in Paris with her teenage daughter, Gubkina shifts her focus from conventional architectural critique to a more immediate form of documentary journalism. The book provides a moving account of the architectural and human toll of the war, interweaving personal narratives with professional analysis in an attempt to document and preserve Ukraine's cultural heritage amid ongoing destruction.