What Architects and Designers Should Consider When Designing Façades, Fencing, and Ceilings in Ukraine During Wartime

Introduction:

In Ukraine’s current wartime reality, architects and designers face unprecedented challenges when planning building exteriors and interiors. Every element – from the building façade and perimeter fencing to the ceiling systems inside – must be rethought for safety, resilience, and adaptability. With cities under threat of shelling and infrastructure disruptions, wartime construction in Ukraine requires balancing security and functionality with aesthetics and sustainability. This article explores key considerations for designing façades, fencing, and ceilings across residential, commercial, public, and industrial buildings during conflict. We will cover critical aspects such as blast resistance, compliance with updated regulations (like mandatory bomb shelters), local material sourcing amid supply chain disruption, maintaining architectural aesthetics, and ensuring energy, acoustic, and ventilation performance. Real-world examples – including a case study of a multifunctional shelter – illustrate how architectural resilience can be achieved in practice. Ukrainian architects and designers can draw on these insights, along with quality local solutions from companies like Mehbud, to create buildings that protect lives and preserve their design vision even in the toughest times.

Ensuring Safety and Security in Wartime Design

Safety is the foremost priority for any wartime building project. Designers must account for risks from explosions, fires, and structural stress. A key focus is blast resistance – ensuring that façades, windows, and doors can withstand shock waves and shattering. According to experts, the building envelope should be designed to safeguard occupants and infrastructure against direct blast effects, prevent high-velocity debris from material failures, retain structural integrity, and remain stable under load. In practice, this means using reinforced systems and shatter-resistant materials. Notably, an estimated 80% of people injured by blast waves suffer shrapnel wounds from broken glass and debris, not the explosion itself. To reduce this hazard, architects should specify laminated or tempered safety glass and robust framing for windows, or apply anti-shatter film on existing glass. Modern explosion-proof façade systems have emerged to address these threats – for example, Reynaers Aluminum’s new Sunrise modification uses special reinforced multi-layer glass that “contains the blast wave, not oppose it” within a strengthened frame. Designing façades with fewer large glass panels or with secondary protective screens (such as metal mesh or louvers) can also help catch flying debris while maintaining daylight. Additionally, façades should be firmly anchored to structures so cladding or decorative elements do not become projectiles under impact.

Fire protection is another critical aspect of security. Shelling and missile strikes often ignite fires in buildings, so using non-combustible and fire-resistant materials is vital. Metal panel façades, mineral wool insulation, and fire-rated wall assemblies can prevent fire spread better than flammable claddings. Likewise, metal suspended ceilings offer an advantage over flammable gypsum or PVC finishes by not contributing fuel to a fire. Designers should ensure that exterior wall assemblies meet or exceed fire code requirements, with proper fire-stopping around openings. Structural integrity must also be considered under extreme conditions. A building’s structure should ideally have redundancy and the capacity to avoid progressive collapse if hit. Critical load-bearing elements may be fortified or spaced such that if one element fails, the whole building doesn’t come down. While Ukraine’s building codes (based on Eurocode structural standards) inherently address many structural safety factors, architects in warzones may choose to apply higher safety margins or incorporate blast-resistant construction techniques (e.g. reinforced concrete walls, berms, or sacrificial façade layers) for key facilities like hospitals and shelters.

For site planning, secure fencing solutions form the first line of defense. Perimeter fences and gates should be designed to deter intrusion, mitigate blast effects, and protect occupants evacuating the building. In high-risk areas, this could mean using solid fencing walls or earth berms that can absorb blasts and shrapnel before they reach the building. However, even residential and commercial properties benefit from durable modern fences that provide security without appearing forbidding. For example, Mehbud’s modern metal fencing solutions offer strong steel slats (such as their “Fence Blinds”) that can withstand impacts while maintaining visibility and style. These exclusive metal fences are engineered with high-quality metal for both aesthetic appeal and reliable performance. Whether it’s a decorative gate or an industrial perimeter fence, wartime design should ensure the fence is deeply anchored, of sufficient height, and made of materials that won’t easily fracture. In some cases, anti-ram features (like reinforced bollards or planters) might be integrated at entrances to stop vehicles. The goal is a perimeter that delays and diminishes any external blast or forced entry, buying precious time for those inside.

Inside the building, ceiling systems also play a role in safety. Heavy ceiling finishes or loosely attached fixtures can become hazards if a shockwave hits. Thus, lightweight suspended ceilings that are securely fastened are preferable. Metal ceiling panels (especially clip-in systems) tend to hold better under vibration than brittle plaster ceilings. They are also less likely to crack or spall. Designers should ensure ceiling grids are firmly braced to the structural slab to prevent collapse during an explosion or earthquake. Additionally, consider using ceiling panels with safety lanyards or retainers so that if they do get dislodged, they won’t fall on occupants. In sum, by prioritizing blast resistance, fire safety, structural robustness, and secure perimeters, architects can significantly enhance occupant safety. Many of these measures align with modern best practices and products already available in Ukraine – for instance, Mehbud’s ventilated façade systems use galvanized steel and aluminum cladding that provides a durable protective screen for buildings, and their steel suspended ceilings are both lightweight and sturdy for safer interiors. Leveraging such resilient local solutions makes it easier to fortify buildings without reinventing the wheel.

Compliance with Wartime Building Regulations in Ukraine

Designing during wartime means navigating new laws and standards intended to protect civilians. Since the start of the war, Ukrainian authorities have updated construction norms to address the realities of conflict. In August 2023, a landmark law was signed requiring that every new residential building include a bomb shelter or certified civil defense space. This law (“On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on Ensuring Civil Protection Requirements during Planning and Development of Territories”) mandates that protective shelters be planned at the earliest stages of urban development. In practice, architects must now incorporate a basement shelter or reinforced ground-floor safe room in designs for apartments, schools, shopping centers, and other buildings where people congregate. The newly approved standard GSN B.2.2-5:2023 provides detailed requirements on shelter design. For example, a proper bomb shelter should be located underground (or deeply built into the basement levels) and have a reinforced concrete ceiling and walls capable of withstanding direct hits. These shelters must be equipped with emergency exits, independent ventilation, water and power supply, and sanitation, so that occupants can survive for extended periods if necessary.

Beyond shelters, other regulatory changes under martial law have streamlined and prioritized wartime construction needs. The government has introduced “fast-track” permitting and construction processes for rebuilding critical infrastructure and housing destroyed by attacks. Temporary relief from certain bureaucratic procedures helps builders repair damage quickly. However, this does not mean lower quality standards – in fact, there is an emphasis on meeting European norms and safety standards even in emergency construction. In September 2023, Ukraine’s parliament also clarified building code interpretations to ensure reconstruction adheres to safety norms despite expedited timelines. Moreover, special guidelines were issued for fortifying existing buildings: for example, recommending the installation of blast-resistant film on windows of public buildings and creating designated safe zones (“double-wall” rules where interior spaces are enclosed by two walls away from exterior glass).

Architects should stay up to date with official directives from Ukraine’s Ministry of Communities and Territories Development (MinRegion) and State Emergency Service regarding wartime construction. Key points include: mandatory civil defense shelters for new projects, ensuring at least two evacuation routes in buildings, providing accessible shelter space for persons with disabilities, and following any curfews or restrictions on building heights/lights in frontline areas. In addition, a new culture of safety is influencing design – Ukrainians now routinely consider where the nearest shelter is and avoid excessive glass in their homes. This translates to client expectations for buildings that inherently provide refuge. By complying with and even exceeding the wartime construction norms, architects not only fulfill legal obligations but also instill confidence that their designs will keep occupants safe. In the long run, many of these requirements (like shelters and hardened structures) will likely be integrated into standard building codes, making architectural resilience a permanent feature of Ukrainian design.

One specific regulatory development is worth highlighting: the law mandating bomb shelters has implications for building layouts and budgets. Developers must allocate square footage and resources for shelters, which can slightly increase construction costs (one estimate suggests it will raise cost per square meter due to the additional structural and fit-out requirements). However, this is considered a justified investment for safety. Architects can mitigate cost impacts by designing shelters that double as functional spaces during normal use – for instance, underground parking levels or storage areas that can convert to shelters, or multi-purpose rooms (gyms, auditoriums) built to shelter specifications. Creativity in planning can ensure these protected spaces are not idle and contribute value to the project. The CLUST Space case study later in this article exemplifies how a shelter can be a usable part of a building’s program. In summary, compliance with wartime regulations is non-negotiable; it requires early planning and innovative design solutions to integrate life-saving features without detracting from the building’s purpose or economics.

Material Selection and Local Sourcing Amid Supply Challenges

Wartime disruption has wreaked havoc on supply chains, making material selection a crucial aspect of design strategy. Ukraine’s construction industry has faced acute shortages of many building materials since the war began. As one industry expert noted in mid-2024, “almost everything is in short supply, including mineral wool, reinforced concrete products, certain types of mesh, and geotextiles.” Moreover, the loss of major industrial sites has made the situation for metal particularly difficult after the destruction of the Azovstal steelworks, and even plasterboard is scarce after a key factory in Soledar was lost. In fact, many leading construction material producers either had their plants damaged, located in war zones, or under occupation. This means architects must design with realistic assumptions about what materials are available or can be brought in at reasonable cost. Long lead times or heavy reliance on imports can jeopardize a project in wartime, so prioritizing locally sourced and readily available materials is wise.

To achieve this, architects and builders are turning to local manufacturers and alternative materials. Wherever possible, specify products made in Ukraine or from trusted supply lines in safer regions of the country. For example, instead of relying on imported cladding panels or foreign roofing systems that might be delayed, one could choose high-quality ventilated façade panels produced by a Ukrainian firm like Mehbud, which has continued operating and supplying projects throughout the conflict. Not only does this support the national economy, but local suppliers can often ramp up production or adapt products quickly to meet the urgent demands of wartime rebuilding. A 2024 report recommended increasing domestic production and even building new factories for materials like insulation and concrete to fill the gap. Until those come online, designers may need to be flexible and resourceful: substituting materials (e.g., using alternative insulation types if mineral wool is unavailable), and designing structural systems that can work with what’s on hand (maybe using steel beams of available sizes or even timber elements, if steel is costly and scarce).

Durability and ease of repair are also key material considerations. Wartime structures may suffer partial damage and need quick patching. Using standardized, modular components can facilitate repairs – for instance, modular metal fence sections or interchangeable façade panels mean if one section is damaged, it can be replaced without needing custom fabrication. Simpler materials that local contractors are familiar with will speed up both initial construction and any wartime repairs. Material resilience matters too: choose materials that age well and can withstand harsh conditions (extreme cold, moisture intrusion during damage, etc.) without failing. Galvanized steel, for example, is a preferred choice for façade and ceiling systems not just for its strength but also because it resists corrosion – a valuable property if a building’s envelope is breached and exposed to the elements. Mehbud’s product lines take advantage of galvanized steel and aluminum for exactly these reasons, ensuring the end products like facades and ceilings have long-term reliability.

Lastly, consider the weight and transport of materials. In a war environment, heavy materials that require complex logistics (like oversized precast concrete panels) might be harder to move to site if roads or fuel supply are compromised. Lighter solutions like metal cladding or light-gauge steel framing can be transported more easily and sometimes even prefabricated off-site, reducing on-site construction time. This approach also aligns with Ukrainian wartime construction norms, which favor methods that can expedite building while maintaining quality. Many architects are also exploring the reuse of materials from damaged structures (for example, salvaging bricks or steel elements) as both a practical measure and a sustainable one. In summary, wise material selection in wartime means choosing locally, thinking flexibly, and planning for resilience and repairability. By partnering with reliable Ukrainian suppliers like Mehbud for critical components – such as façade cladding, fencing, and steel ceilings – architects can mitigate supply risks and ensure their designs can be realized without undue delays.

Balancing Functionality and Aesthetics Under Conflict

Even in war, architecture must serve its functional purpose and can uplift spirits through thoughtful design. An essential consideration is how to integrate protective features without making buildings look like bunkers. Users still desire pleasant, humane environments – homes that feel cozy, schools that inspire learning, commercial spaces that invite customers – despite the added conflict-era requirements. Therefore, architects should strive for designs that are functional, beautiful, and resilient all at once.

One approach is to design multi-functional elements. For example, a building façade could incorporate retractable shutters or screens that serve as shade or decoration in normal times, but can be closed to offer extra blast protection when needed. Fences that are required for security can be made visually appealing with modern patterns or greenery. Mehbud has pioneered attractive yet strong fencing styles (such as “jalousie” louvered fences and the decorative “Rombo” design) that provide privacy and security while enhancing curb appeal. These kinds of solutions ensure that safety measures do not come at the cost of aesthetics. Similarly, interior ceiling systems can be chosen to hide necessary mechanical and electrical equipment (like ducts for ventilation or cabling for backup power) while contributing to the design theme of the space. Mehbud’s metal ceiling panels, for instance, come in various profiles and coatings, allowing architects to maintain a desired look and feel in the interior. A lobby or office can have an elegant, custom-colored metal ceiling that also discreetly houses air filtration units or speakers for emergency announcements – blending practicality with design.

Color and form are powerful tools in wartime architecture. Many Ukrainian designers are using bright colors, murals, and national motifs on building façades to send messages of resilience and hope. A well-known example is how residents and artists repainted buildings in lively colors after shelling damage was repaired, to show that life and culture endure. Architects can incorporate culturally significant patterns or symbols into facades and fences, which not only beautify the structure but also foster a sense of identity and defiance against destruction. At the same time, maintaining a degree of neutrality might be important for critical infrastructure (hospitals or shelters might avoid overly conspicuous colors that could draw unwanted attention). Thus, the aesthetic strategy can differ by building type: residential and public buildings might emphasize warmth and normalcy through design, whereas industrial and military-adjacent facilities might prioritize a low-profile appearance for security.

Functionality in wartime also means flexibility. Buildings should be designed to adapt to changing needs – a school, for example, might need to function as a relief center or shelter for a community. This calls for open-plan spaces that can be reconfigured, furniture that can be easily moved, and provisions for emergency equipment storage. It’s a good idea to design more storage and slightly larger circulation spaces than usual, to accommodate the supplies and movements typical in emergency scenarios. In ceiling design, opting for accessible suspended ceilings means utilities can be accessed and re-routed if the space’s function changes (versus a fixed drywall ceiling which is harder to modify). For facades and partitions, using modular systems can allow parts of a building to be expanded or sectioned off without major reconstruction. For instance, if a lobby needs to transform into a temporary clinic, having a grid of modular panels or demountable partitions will facilitate that.

Crucially, aesthetics and function converge in the concept of morale. People feel safer and calmer in environments that are orderly, well-lit, and pleasant. Good acoustic design (discussed more in the next section) can reduce stress by muffling the noise of distant explosions or incessant alarms. Natural light and views of nature (even if through smaller, safer openings) can improve psychological well-being during tense times. Architects should try to include courtyards, shatter-resistant skylights, or shaded balconies – features that offer moments of normalcy and connection to the outdoors without significant risk. Landscaping and fencing can work together to create safe outdoor pockets, like a building’s entrance area that has blast-resistant planters and walls doubling as benches and greenery holders, giving a semblance of a garden rather than a fortress.

In summary, wartime design does not mean abandoning creativity or beauty. It means working within tighter constraints to deliver spaces that are both livable and fortified. Ukraine has a rich architectural heritage and a modern design community determined not to let war strip away the character of its cities. By using innovative products (like customizable facades, decorative yet strong fences, and versatile ceilings) and by thinking flexibly, architects can ensure that even buildings built or renovated under duress will serve their people with dignity and style. The Mehbud plant has demonstrated this balance through its projects – providing materials that achieve reliability and elegance simultaneously – and stands as a resource for designers seeking to realize such resilient yet refined visions.

Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Indoor Comfort

Wartime or not, buildings must meet sustainability and comfort standards – arguably, these considerations become even more critical during conflict. With energy infrastructure being a prime target (Ukraine’s critical power and heating networks have suffered repeated attacks), new buildings need to be as energy-efficient and self-reliant as possible. Environmental performance should thus be a core part of the design brief, not an afterthought. In fact, experts argue that reconstruction projects should not relax energy standards; buildings damaged in the war should still comply with modern energy efficiency requirements rather than revert to outdated norms. Every new or repaired façade should include proper insulation and high-performance glazing to minimize heat loss, which in turn reduces reliance on external heating fuel. Likewise, roofing and ceiling design can contribute – for instance, adding insulation above a suspended ceiling or using reflective roof panels to maintain stable indoor temperatures.

Architects are encouraged to integrate renewable energy solutions where feasible. Photovoltaic panels on facades or rooftops, solar hot water heaters, and even small wind turbines can provide buildings with backup power and heat during grid outages. Passive solar design, such as south-facing windows with shading devices, can capture warmth in winter and reduce overheating in summer, improving a building’s energy resilience. Ventilated façades (such as those produced by Mehbud) have an inherent advantage in energy performance: the air gap behind the cladding can reduce heat transfer, acting as a buffer against both cold and heat. This can significantly improve the thermal performance of walls. When combined with efficient insulation materials, a well-designed ventilated facade keeps interiors warmer during power cuts on freezing days – a life-saving difference when heating systems fail.

Another pillar of sustainability is material circularity and local sourcing, which we touched on earlier. Using local and recycled materials lowers the carbon footprint of reconstruction and avoids the emissions and delays of long-distance transport. European and Ukrainian authorities alike are urging that rebuilding be done “better and more sustainably” by default. For architects, this means choosing low-carbon materials (like fly-ash concrete, sustainably harvested timber, or recycled metal) and considering a building’s lifecycle. Metal products, again, offer an advantage here: steel from demolished structures can be recycled and re-fabricated into new steel ceilings, fences, or frame elements, creating a circular loop. Designing with deconstruction in mind (so components can be taken apart and reused) is a forward-thinking strategy that also aligns with building back greener.

Indoor environmental quality is another aspect of comfort that cannot be ignored, especially when occupants might be spending long hours in sealed conditions due to air-raid alerts or curfews. Proper ventilation and acoustic performance are paramount. In wartime, people often shelter in basements or interior rooms for extended periods, which can lead to stale air and high CO₂ levels if ventilation is poor. Architects should incorporate adequate mechanical ventilation systems with filtration. For example, a modern shelter or safe room might have a dedicated HVAC unit with HEPA filters and even NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) filtration capacity if chemical attacks are a concern. These systems can be hidden above ceilings or within facade bulkheads. Suspended ceiling systems are very useful here – they create space to run ductwork and install diffusers or air purification units out of sight. Mehbud’s metal ceilings are robust enough to hold such equipment and can be perforated with acoustic/airflow perforations if needed, allowing them to double as acoustic panels that also let air circulate.

Acoustic comfort is particularly relevant given the stress of sirens and explosions. A well-insulated façade with laminated glass will not only improve energy efficiency but also dampen outside noise – a double benefit. Inside, acoustic ceiling panels and wall treatments can significantly reduce the reverberation and noise within crowded shelters or open-plan areas. This improves intelligibility of announcements (important for emergency instructions) and reduces the psychological strain of a noisy environment. In offices or schools operating during air-raid warnings (as many in Ukraine do), acoustic design lets work and learning continue with less disruption. High NRC (noise reduction coefficient) ceiling tiles or metal ceilings with sound-absorbing pads can be installed in classrooms, conference rooms, and hospital wards to maintain a quieter atmosphere.

A shining example of prioritizing ventilation and comfort is the CLUST Space shelter in Kyiv: “CLUST SPACE is perfectly adapted for air alarms, because there is always light, clean air and even bathrooms that work without interruption.” The designers equipped it with an independent ventilation system (with special filters to block chemical or radioactive agents for up to three days) and backup power supply. In the event of an outage, occupants still have fresh air, electricity, and functional toilets, thanks to generators and a pumping station. This level of self-sufficiency should inspire architects to incorporate at least some degree of backup systems in their projects – whether it’s emergency lighting via solar battery, a gravity-fed water storage for plumbing, or simply the ability to connect a mobile generator to essential circuits. By doing so, buildings remain habitable and safe even when municipal services are temporarily knocked out.

In conclusion of this section, sustainability and comfort are not peacetime luxuries – they are essential components of architectural resilience. A building that stays warm when the heat is off, supplies fresh air in a sealed environment, and keeps occupants calm and healthy is a building that truly protects life. Achieving this requires integrating energy-efficient design, sustainable materials, and robust MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) systems into the very concept of wartime architecture. Ukraine’s reconstruction is an opportunity to build a greener, more self-reliant urban landscape that not only withstands war, but also addresses longer-term challenges like climate change and energy independence.

Case Study: CLUST Space – A Multifunctional Shelter Example

One real-world project that encapsulates many of the above principles is CLUST Space – Ukraine’s first fully functional public bomb shelter, opened in early 2024 at the Kyiv Polytechnic Institute (KPI) named after Sikorskyi. This innovative space was created by retrofitting part of a university library’s basement into a high-tech shelter that doubles as a co-working and event venue. The idea was born from the realization that education and work should not grind to a halt during air-raid alarms. Thanks to smart design, CLUST Space allows classes, meetings, and even small conferences to continue uninterrupted during attacks.

Design features: The shelter can accommodate up to 500 people and is divided into zones: there are lecture areas, a “zoom room” for virtual calls, a small conference room, rest areas with soft furniture, and even a game room. The designers paid special attention to zoning and communications, ensuring that the space supports normal activities. For instance, there are dedicated quiet areas for individual work (with sound insulation for privacy) and open areas for collaborative work or lectures. The interior design employs bright lighting and modern decor, making it feel more like a tech startup’s office than a typical bunker. This was a deliberate choice to reduce anxiety – the aesthetic is uplifting and normalizing.

Safety and systems: Beneath the inviting appearance lies robust engineering. Being underground, the shelter benefits from natural protection, but it’s further reinforced with concrete and equipped to handle blasts. Importantly, the ventilation system is autonomous, with industrial filters that can keep air clean even if chemical or radiological contaminants are outside. This addresses both ventilation and air safety concerns. A powerful generator and battery backup ensure that lights, computers, and even ventilation stay on during city power outages. Plumbing is maintained via a pumping station, and toilets and a shower are installed for hygiene needs. The materials used in construction were chosen with an eye on safety: “we did not use materials that could harm people when destroyed”, explains the lead architect. For example, interior glass partitions have an anti-shatter film so that if a blast wave hits, they will crack but not send shards flying. All furniture is either bolted down or designed to be heavy and low, minimizing hazards. The ceiling and walls conceal extensive cabling for communications – the shelter has internet connectivity and cell signal enhancement, meaning life below ground remains digitally connected.

Functionality: CLUST Space illustrates how a shelter can be multipurpose and community-friendly. When no air raid is happening, it’s essentially a free co-working space for students and local entrepreneurs. This ensures the space is utilized continuously, justifying the investment. The project was non-commercial and handed over to the university, showing a model of public-private collaboration in wartime construction. It’s also replicable – the organizers plan to create similar shelters in other universities across Ukraine, each tailored to the local context but following the core idea of combining protection with productivity. For architects, the takeaway is that bomb shelters need not be dark, unused basements; with thoughtful design, they can become valuable amenities. Elements from CLUST Space can inspire other projects: for example, an apartment complex could design its underground parking as a pleasant shelter with ventilation and seating, or a cultural center could have a concert hall that doubles as a shelter (with acoustic panels serving both sound quality and blast wave mitigation).

Impact: The success of CLUST Space has been lauded as a blueprint for resilience. It demonstrates that adherence to safety (filters, RC ceilings, backup systems) can coexist with maintaining an active, engaging environment. Students reported feeling more secure knowing they can continue their work during alarms, which reduces disruption to education. This aligns perfectly with the goal of architectural resilience – not only protecting life, but also preserving a degree of normal life during adversity. By studying this case, one sees how all the aspects discussed earlier come together: regulatory compliance (the shelter meets civil defense standards), local materials and support (built by Ukrainian teams with domestic know-how), safety engineering (blast-proofing, fire safety, structural strength), functionality (zoned for multiple uses), aesthetics (modern, welcoming interior), and sustainability (efficient systems, dual-use space).

Incorporating similar concepts into other building types is a promising direction in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Whether it’s designing new schools with built-in shelters that serve as auditoriums, or retrofitting office basements into employee safe hubs, the CLUST approach can be adapted widely. It’s a heartening example of innovation under pressure – a reminder that good design can shine even in the darkest times.

Conclusion

Designing façades, fencing, and ceilings in wartime Ukraine is a complex task – but it is a challenge that the country’s architects and designers are rising to meet with ingenuity and courage. The key considerations outlined above all point to one overarching goal: resilience. Buildings must protect life amid bombardment while remaining functional, comfortable, and true to their purpose. Achieving this calls for a holistic approach. It means selecting robust materials and local products that ensure supply and reliability, such as using Ukrainian-made ventilated façade panels and metal ceilings for durability. It requires strict adherence to new safety regulations, like incorporating mandatory shelters and using blast-resistant design principles, to comply with Ukrainian wartime norms. At the same time, designers must artfully balance security with aesthetics – creating environments that uplift occupants rather than intimidate, through creative façade treatments, attractive yet secure fences, and well-planned interiors.

We have seen through real examples that these goals are attainable. From the hundreds of thousands of damaged buildings that need rebuilding, each project is an opportunity to rebuild better – with safer facades, smarter layouts, and greener systems than before. Innovative projects like CLUST Space prove that even shelters can be bright and multi-functional, embodying the spirit of Ukrainian resilience. Furthermore, statistics showing over 3,500 schools and 1,455 medical facilities hit during the war underscore the urgent need for incorporating protection in every new design for public buildings. Through thoughtful design, a hospital can be made to safeguard its patients and staff; a school can double as a community refuge. Every architect’s plan contributes to a nationwide tapestry of resilience.

As Ukraine rebuilds, there is also a forward-looking benefit to these efforts. By integrating energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and modern engineering into wartime construction, the country is effectively fast-tracking the modernization of its building stock. The use of architectural resilience measures today lays the groundwork for a safer and more sustainable urban future. It aligns with European standards and may even exceed them, positioning Ukraine’s construction industry as a leader in resilient design. Clients and communities will increasingly demand such features – not just bomb shelters and generators, but also solar panels, green roofs, and efficient climate control that can function off-grid. Architects who cultivate expertise in these areas now will be at the forefront of post-war reconstruction and beyond.

In closing, creating a resilient façade, a reliable fence, or a robust ceiling during wartime is as much about ingenuity as it is about materials and regulations. It’s about harnessing the best of design and technology to serve humanity under duress. Ukrainian architects and designers carry a heavy responsibility on their shoulders, but they also have partners ready to support them – from international experts sharing knowledge, to local companies like Mehbud providing high-quality façade systems, fencing, and metal ceiling solutions proven in the local context. By collaborating and continuously learning, this community can ensure that new buildings are not only built to last, but built to save lives.