The UN4UkrainianCities Masterplan Series continues its exploration of urban transformation in Ukraine through an insightful conversation with Architect Giulio De Carli, Founder and Managing Partner of One Works. As cities face unprecedented challenges, the importance of forward-looking urban planning becomes ever more crucial, even amid ongoing conflict.

A Vision Beyond Recovery

The Mykolaiv masterplan represents a revolutionary approach to post-conflict urban development. Rather than simply restoring pre-existing conditions, it envisions a modern, sustainable city built on extensive analysis of existing conditions and collaborative discussions with the Municipality and local experts. Architect Giulio De Carli, Founder and Managing Partner at One Works, emphasizes this unique challenge: "We never experienced a situation where the combination between fast-track recovery and future vision has to be included in a masterplan".

The plan's preliminary overarching strategy paves the way for Mykolaiv's sustainable future through key urban interventions. These include relocating industrial ports from the city center to create a new public waterfront, establishing densification areas in locations well-served by community facilities, and implementing a comprehensive social infrastructure upgrade program. This strategic approach ensures that reconstruction efforts align with long-term development goals.

Embracing Natural and Economic Potential

At the heart of Mykolaiv's transformation is its identity as a "City on the Wave". The masterplan leverages this connection through a "Blue-Green transition" that protects and enhances the natural environment while promoting social and economic growth. This includes developing continuous waterfront promenades, creating new public spaces, and establishing ecological corridors throughout the city.

The economic vision is equally ambitious, with plans for an Innovation District that will serve as a catalyst for urban, scientific, and economic advancement. This district will combine research institutions, companies, and start-ups in an integrated ecosystem designed to foster innovation and sustainable development. The masterplan also emphasizes preserving the city's cultural heritage while creating vibrant new public spaces that strengthen community bonds.

The masterplan outlines key interventions to unlock Mykolaiv's potential, including the relocation of industrial port areas to the South, which will enable the transformation of the city's relationship with its rivers.

This strategic shift will allow for the development of a vibrant, engaging riverfront with safe public access and natural areas, striking a careful balance between accessible spaces and ecological preservation. The plan also proposes densification in areas with strong community facilities and transport links, alongside the development of social infrastructure clusters that will provide much-needed cultural, sports and leisure venues. These developments will be integrated with new green spaces, enhancing the city's natural network while creating opportunities for community interaction and economic growth.

Hope as a Cornerstone of Planning

The masterplan's approach to transportation and mobility demonstrates its comprehensive vision for resilience. It proposes redirecting heavy traffic through new infrastructure, promoting intermodality with enhanced railway connectivity, and developing a flexible transport system that prioritizes sustainability. These improvements will not only enhance daily life for residents but also position Mykolaiv as a key regional hub.

Community engagement has been central to the planning process. Through extensive workshops and consultations, local professionals, municipal authorities, and citizens have helped shape their city's future.

“It is important that the population can have not only a light at the end of the tunnel but also build their own aspirations on how to see their city in the future.”

— Architect Giulio De Carli, Founder and Managing Partner of One Works

The Mykolaiv masterplan demonstrates why urban planning cannot wait for conflict to end. It shows how thoughtful, forward-looking planning can provide both practical solutions for immediate challenges and a inspiring vision for the future. This approach to urban transformation offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide facing similar challenges in recovery and renewal.

This comprehensive strategy for Mykolaiv's future exemplifies how cities can emerge stronger from adversity through careful planning, community engagement, and a commitment to sustainable development. It sets a new standard for urban resilience and recovery that could inspire similar initiatives globally.