In the heart of Ukraine, where the echoes of conflict still resonate, Vinnytsia embraces placemaking as a guiding force for the future. By embedding placemaking values, the city is not only creating high-quality spaces that serve local communities but, more importantly, fostering resilience and strengthening social bonds. In these challenging times, Vinnytsia is shaping opportunities for connection, support, and a shared sense of belonging through public spaces.
Underground shelters as common spaces
The idea of transforming underground shelters into community spaces took root when the city met ITACUS at the Placemaking Week Europe 2023. Instead of just thinking of shelters as temporary safety zones, they asked: what if these spaces could be something more? What if they could serve as places for people to connect, share, and find comfort during tough times?
This was more than just a concept—it evolved into a tangible project with various partners. Through collaboration, they developed a manual for applying the “placemaking mindset” to shelters, demonstrating how necessity can drive innovation. Vinnytsia showcased the remarkable versatility of placemaking, proving its ability to transform even the most challenging environments into spaces of resilience and connection.
You can learn more about this work in the Safe City. Manual on the development of underground shelters in Vinnytsia.
The Forgotten Veins
Vinnytsia boasts over 60 small rivers, though many residents barely notice them. Often polluted and neglected, these waterways were a mirror reflecting the city’s need for re-engagement with nature. People saw these rivers as “non-places.” The strategy? Change minds first, spaces second. Activating the rivers meant working hand-in-hand with locals, transforming neglected banks into vibrant community hubs. It’s the kind of grassroots thinking that makes you wonder: could the mundane be magical?
But with these actions Vinnytsia strives for a broader goal – to become a comfortable, green and investment attractive city with a strong community and balanced spatial development. Cities in Placemaking Program has inspired the city to participate in the Pilot project to achieve climate neutrality. The objective is to develop a socio-spatial concept for the development of the Tiazhylivka small river area and a strategy for restoring its biodiversity. Small rivers are an important tool for adaptation, as they are often centres of biodiversity in cities, sources of drinking water, and help to reduce heat and absorb excess water. The rivers are not only the sources of environmental sustainability and adaptation to climate change, as in the case of Vinnytsia, but a possibility to unite all the stakeholders around one place. For this project Vinnytsia community will cooperate with the ReStart Agency, a spatial development agency that is developing a digital collaboration platform (DPP) in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The part of Tiazhylivka small river selected for the development of the socio-spatial concept will become one of the examples of DPP use. With this tool, the city strives to analyse and engage the main stakeholders – people living near a small river.
Coordination Center for IDPs
The war brought waves of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as representatives of national minorities from the eastern part of Ukraine to Vinnytsia – people seeking not just shelter but belonging. The city responded by creating a Coordination Center for IDPs, a space to address practical needs while fostering cultural exchange. Here, placemaking isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about social scaffolding.
By making newcomers feel like participants rather than guests, Vinnytsia redefines hospitality as a tool for integration. This is inclusivity with a backbone, not just a buzzword.
Integrated Development Strategy 2030
The city’s Integrated Development Strategy 2030 outlines ambitions for a green, socially responsible, and vibrant community. Placemaking here ties into larger goals, digitalization of the green economy, spatial balance, and a culture of strong civic engagement.
Lessons Worth Borrowing
What makes Vinnytsia’s approach a blueprint for others?
- Placemaking as Perception Shifting: Before building, Vinnytsia worked on how people think about spaces. This psychological groundwork ensures sustainability.
- Resilience Through Creativity: Underground shelters reimagined as vibrant public areas show that adversity can spark innovation.
- Inclusivity as Policy: The IDP Coordination Center proves that placemaking isn’t just about spaces, it’s about people and belonging.
- Big Plans, Local Actions: The 2030 strategy is ambitious, but it never forgets that real change happens one project at a time.
The Heart of Placemaking in War
To talk about Vinnytsia without mentioning the war would be dishonest. Yet, the city refuses to be defined by conflict. Its milestones are a masterclass in turning constraints into opportunities, reminding us even in the darkest times, we can build places that reflect the best of us.
Written by: Emma Arnold
Co-authored by: Marta Popiolek
Credits:
- Yuliia Kashpruk – Expert of International Communication and Projects Support, Municipal Enterprise Institute for Urban Development, Local coordinator of Intercultural Cities Program, Vinnytsia City Council
- Tetiana Voloshyna – Deputy Director for strategic development and innovation, Municipal enterprise Institute for Urban Development, Vinnytsia City Council.
- Kateryna Pisotska, a project manager of the Urban Innovation division, Municipal enterprise Institute for Urban Development, Vinnytsia City Council.
