Five dimensions of Kyiv

A total of seven lectures have been planned. The first one was dedicated to the history of Kyiv architecture, even though modernity was also discussed. Lectures are given by an architect and artist Maryna Nikolcheva.

According to her, during the 15 centuries of Kyiv’s existence (or perhaps, even more, no one can name the exact date of the city’s foundation), it has often been a leader of global tendencies. For example, it is one of the first cities to be ruled by a woman, Princess Olha. It was far from being the last city to get plumbing, electricity, and Magdeburg Law when they appeared. In the 13th century the population of Kyiv expanded from 50 to 100 thousand inhabitants, it was one of the largest cities in the world at that time. The next time this number was reached only 600 years later. It is explained by one sad peculiarity of the Ukrainian capital: throughout the history of its existence, it has experienced total destruction multiple times. The most horrible ones took place in 1240, when it was seized by Mongols, and in the 20th century, during World War II.

However, today the capital of Ukraine was overcome by a new calamity: chaotic, tasteless mass construction. According to Nikolcheva, the situation can change only with the general increase of the level of culture, when not only money will be valued, but at least the name and reputation as well.

Now a question arises: how to transform urban space in a way that would enable Kyiv to preserve its rich historical context? During the past decades, the practice of “restoration” of false building became popular. This refers to lost historic buildings, the design and appearance of which are not known for certain today. These include the Golden and Lach Gates (on Maidan), and even St. Michael’s Golden-Domed Monastery. The appropriateness of such approach is a matter of heated debate now. “Perhaps making such hints on historical buildings is not bad, it’s as if we are noticing them against the backdrop of the modern city,” Nikolcheva muses. “And again, everything boils down to quality. It is hardly likely that the current St. Michael’s Monastery is an adequate replica of the building that existed on this spot before. But should it be called a false building, especially after what happened there during the Revolution of Dignity? I don’t think so.”

Many buildings can compete for the title of Kyiv’s official symbol in tourist guides and maps. St. Sophia’s Cathedral and Kyiv Pechersk Lavra are the first to spring to mind. “Tourists should not be deprived of the joy of seeing these outstanding monuments, but unfortunately, plenty of other interesting buildings are overshadowed by them,” Nikolcheva says. “For example, visitors to Kyiv often miss separate examples of domestic constructivism. In particular, it is the building of the Ukrainian Institute of Scientific, Technical, and Economic Information, which is located near Lybidska Metro Station and resembles a huge dish. The so-called Doctor’s House on Velyka Zhytomyrska Street or my favorite Salut Hotel on Ivan Mazepa Street are often forgotten. The latter is an example of genuine engineering experimentation. Unfortunately, there are no tours in the building, but it is allowed to come inside and take a close look at it.”