MeetUp became a platform for discussing urgent practical issues that arise today in the context of preserving modernist buildings. We held two panel discussions: the first concerned the problems of energy efficiency of buildings during modernization, the second - the potential of renovation of Soviet heritage. In the first material from the architectural MeetUp, PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA summarizes the results of the discussion panel "Energy efficiency of modernist heritage in modern realities."
Panelists, from left to right: PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA journalist Oleksandr Dmytruk, founder of VIHAREV architectural bureau Mykola Vikharev, director of the Research Institute of Building Structures Gennady Fareniuk, head of the creative department of Archimatika company Mykola Morozov, development director of abmk company Bohdan Protsiv and regional representative of VEKA Ukraine Mykola Bondarenko. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
Leading Ukrainian architects and scientists took part in the discussion: founder of the VIHAREV architectural bureau Mykola Vikharev, Director of the State Research Institute of Building Structures Gennady Fareniuk, head of the creative department of the architectural company Archimatika Mykola Morozov, Development Director of the architectural and engineering company abmk Bohdan Protsiv and regional representative of VEKA Ukraine Mykola BondarenkoThe meeting was moderated by PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA journalist Oleksandr Dmytruk.
Modernism as Van Gogh's paintings
There is a myth about the poor energy efficiency of modernist buildings. They say that architects of the modernist era did not think about this at all when they designed their masterpieces. And why think about it in times when oil and gas were cheap? They also complain about the construction technologies and engineering innovations of that time - they are not even close to modern, progressive ones. Was modernism really so hopeless in terms of energy efficiency?
The moderator addressed this issue To Gennady Farenyuk, director of the Research Institute of Building Structures, who in 2016–2017 participated in the scientific project Software for Energy Passport in Ukraine, which was implemented jointly with Austria. As part of the project, the scientist worked on developing programs for thermal modernization of residential and public buildings in Ukraine. Gennady Fareniuk debunked the myth that modernist buildings are energy inefficient. “Our Khrushchevs are probably the most energy-efficient product in the history of modern energy efficiency,” says the scientist and adds that all buildings in the union were built according to the same criteria, including outstanding modernist public buildings.
Director of the State Research Institute of Building Structures Gennady Farenyuk. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
Fareniuk explained that at that time, the main indicator of energy efficiency was the economic feasibility of heat transfer. This indicator was calculated not only according to physical, but also economic criteria and was set for each region separately according to climatic zones:
Mykola Vikharev: "Everyone remembers Wright's "House over the Waterfall"? A great example to understand: if we replace the window systems there with modern double-glazed windows, we will lose it"
"That is, to say that these buildings were not energy efficient when they were supposed to be operated is incorrect. But our problem is that we are still operating buildings whose service life has long expired. And if it has expired, then now we have to do something with them," emphasizes Fareniuk. "Everything that was built before must definitely be reconstructed and modernized today. But we have to take care of energy efficiency according to the indicators and criteria that exist today."
Ukrainian architect, founder of the VIHAREV architectural bureau Mykola Viharev. Photo: Maksym Drobinenko
In response to this, the architect Mykola Vikharev recalled that the last wave of comprehensive modernization of old buildings took place 60–70 years ago, when "it became clear that fireplaces and stoves are a relic of the tsarist period, and they should be thrown away." At the same time, during these processes, many historical and valuable buildings were damaged or destroyed. In this context, Vikharev singles out such a concept as the cycle of historical memory: according to him, the value of buildings or other art (recall that architecture is, first of all, art) is realized by society much later, after a considerable time after the creation of the object. In the case of modernism, this time has just come.
"Van Gogh's remarkable paintings were not damaged or burned only thanks to the will of a few people. And only after living through a cycle of obscurity and oblivion, these works became popular. The same is true with modernism, which we are talking about now: a lot of buildings from this era have not survived to this day, because they were not preserved in the so-called cycle of memory," explained Mykola Vikharev and added: that is why work with modernist monuments must be extremely scrupulous.
It should be noted that in 2024, the Viharev bureau worked on the building of the Khreschatyk metro station in Kyiv, which was designed by architect Florian Yuryev. The team restored facade of the building and carried out thermal modernization of the building:
Restoration work on the Khreschatyk metro station building was carried out by the architectural bureau of Mykola Viharev. Photo: VIHAREV Restavration
"The main thing we wanted to do was preserve the visual characteristics and get as close as possible to the design solutions. In my opinion, we managed to modernize the building without affecting its aesthetics or proportions. We completely replaced the giant panoramic window systems, and in this sense we were very careful, because the window frame is the first enemy of modernism. The double-glazed windows that are produced on the assembly line today are terrible. If we do not approach them wisely, we will destroy modernism and the entire historical heritage. Does everyone remember Wright's "House over the Falls"? A great example to understand: if we replace the window systems there with modern double-glazed windows, we will lose it."
The problem of glazing modernization was also commented on by Mykola Bondarenko, regional representative of VEKA Ukraine. According to him, the problem is that in Ukraine there is no single, understandable and established approach to the modernization of historical buildings, let alone modernism. This especially applies to outstanding structures that are not monuments.
Regional representative of VEKA Ukraine Mykola Bondarenko. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
"How to approach window design so as not to damage the building? Let's be honest, today it is not architects who do this, but operators or owners who do whatever they want. They have no responsibility, and in the end we have the mess on the facades that we have. Can this be changed? Of course, it is possible: there are modern European approaches, there are architects who understand harmony, who understand the correct balance of the window and the facade," Bondarenko said.
The Institute for Window Technology in Rosenheim, founded by Erich Seifert, has developed rules for the modernization of window systems during restoration and renovation. Photo: ift Rosenheim
The VEKA representative added that in Europe the discourse on glazing modernization began about 50 years ago. Perhaps the greatest contribution to this niche was made by Erich Seifert, the founder of the German Institute for Window Technology in Rosenheim (ift Rosenheim). Back in the 80s, Seifert, in collaboration with colleagues, wrote a manual designed to solve the problem of modern glazing during modernization. This manual contains the most modern European approaches to updating window structures: "So, these approaches exist. We just need to promote them more actively and cooperate with architects who are still able to solve these issues professionally."
An architect's perspective: challenges in working with modernist heritage
Do modern architects really know how to work with the legacy of modernism? This is the question the moderator addressed Mykola Morozov, who heads the creative department of the architectural company Archimatika. Morozov is one of the most famous modern architects with many years of experience in designing residential and public buildings. In 2024, he participated in the WAF (World Architecture Festival) in Singapore, presenting two Archimatika projects. In response to the moderator's question, the architect noted that the legacy of Soviet modernism is a special cultural layer and, in order to work with it, Ukrainians need to develop their own approaches. Such an initiative should come from the city authorities or the state, but specialists and architectural historians should work on the document.
Ukrainian architect, head of the creative department of Archimatika company Mykola Morozov. Photo: Maksym Drobinenko
"Part of the modernist heritage in our country is already recognized as monuments, part is not, some buildings people like, some not so much. I propose to develop a clear document in which we will define all the noteworthy monuments of modernism and all the decisions and rules for working with them. For example, the "Flowers of Ukraine" building is a monument, you can do this and that with it, restore it, etc. If you change the glazing, it should be like this and not another. Write down these rules, make them publicly available, even create a portal or website where everyone can see them," says Morozov.
In his opinion, this work will not be quick — it will take at least 10 years to develop such rules: "In any case, the initiative must be legally enshrined. Because if activists who love modernism develop it and then say that it must be implemented, then it will not work that way. There must be a legal procedure."
Bohdan Protsiv: "We need every important building or complex to have a responsible owner"
At the same time, according to Mykola Vikharev, we already have enough tools that would allow us to preserve prominent modernist buildings without the status of monuments. These include architectural competitions and public discussions on street development - the only problem is that neither the city authorities nor architects use these tools: "How many architectural competitions have there been in Kyiv over the past 10 years, except for the design of the Revolution of Dignity Museum? Zero. If architects worked with heritage through a competition or discussion, then perhaps they would strengthen another tool for influencing customers. Because for me, as an architect, the biggest problem is to reach the client so that he understands that this cannot be done."
In the photo: Mykola Vikharev and Gennady Farenyuk. Mykola Vikharev called for organizing architectural competitions and public discussions on the topic of modernization of heritage. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
Commenting on the preservation of modernist heritage, Bohdan Protsiv from abmk noted that in our environment there are not only legal, but also mental challenges: this is the responsibility of the owners themselves for the building, and this applies to both private beneficiaries and the state.
Director of Development of the architectural and engineering company abmk, Bohdan Protsiv. Photo: Maksym Drobinenko
"Recently, when I returned to Kyiv from a business trip to Europe, I drew attention to two examples with new experience: on the one hand, we have cases that show what should not be done. There are also positive examples when we see normal operation, which allows buildings to maintain their functionality and efficiency for a long time. And then there are no questions about what to do with them: to give them the status of an architectural monument or not. And this is our mental problem here, on the spot, which we need to work with right now, and no one is stopping us from doing it. We need every important building or complex to have a responsible owner!" Protsiv emphasized.
The abmk company, represented by Bohdan Protsiv, has very valuable experience working with Soviet-era buildings, which can shed more light on the renovation of modernist heritage. As is known, abmk is involved in the creation of the network Unbroken — ecosystems of rehabilitation and medical facilities for veterans. In 2024, the company reconstructed an old Soviet hospital in Lviv and turned it into a modern energy-efficient building. Bohdan Protsiv spoke about the main problems in working with the heritage of the 60s and 70s:
The Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv, built on the site of a Soviet hospital. A new panoramic elevator takes visitors to the rooftop recreation area. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
"Firstly, a huge disaster with archival materials, a similar situation with pre-war buildings and earlier periods. Therefore, such work is always a huge layer of research. Secondly, it is, of course, a discrepancy with today's regulatory parameters, especially in structures. And if it is not a monument, then it is easier to work with it, at least there is the possibility of performing thermal modernization of facades, and there are much fewer restrictions with windows.
But there are many nuances with internal solutions of engineering systems: restrictions on structural schemes, floor heights and dimensions of premises to create a comfortable climate, effective central engineering solutions. This is definitely a task with an asterisk. This is the path of finding solutions and the work of not only the architect, but also a team of specialist engineers in a common tandem,” Protsiv said.
Is it possible to avoid distortion of facades with insulation?
In 2019, the leadership of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv decided to completely insulate the facades of the modernist buildings at VDNH. This decision was not discussed with the community, no research was conducted, and the main argument was that students were freezing in the classrooms in winter. A scandal arose, activists and architects criticized the unauthorized insulation, appealing to the fact that there are methods that will increase the energy efficiency of buildings, avoiding insulation. In the end, the university did as it planned: it insulated the buildings, but left the monumental art panels open.
Discussion moderator Oleksandr Dmytruk, architect Mykola Vikharev and Gennady Fareniuk. Photo: Maksym Drobinenko
Gennady Fareniuk, director of the Research Institute of Building Structures, confirms: insulating the facade with mineral wool is just one of the ways to improve energy efficiency. According to him, we can influence not only the level of thermal insulation of external walls, but also work with the microclimate inside the building: “We need to understand that the energy efficiency of a building depends primarily on how efficiently we use the energy we have. In particular, how we transport it to the building, how we regulate it, and also how we ensure air exchange. After all, we lose only 15–20% of energy through the walls, and in fact most of the thermal energy (55–60%) is lost due to air exchange.”
"We need to use modern energy equipment, and not bother with blank external walls in vain," — Gennady Fareniuk
To a reasonable question - why can't you ventilate a room in winter? Fareniuk replied: "We need to use physical processes and apply modern energy equipment to supply energy to the building in order to effectively use the energy that we supply for the building's microclimate, and not deal with blank external walls in vain."
Bohdan Protsiv also added that today, during the modernization of buildings, energy modeling is used - the process allows you to consider several scenarios for the operation of the building in accordance with the renovation budget. As you know, there are two components of the budget: investment (which we have to spend on implementation and modernization) and operational, which is calculated for a certain period of time: "From several scenarios, we can choose the optimal one, for a certain function and building. There is no single correct one. But these tools are quite widely used, and they are effective and equivalent to the funds."
VEKA company representative Mykola Bondarenko: “An important tool for influencing building owners should be liability for unauthorized insulation.” Photo: Maksym Drobinenko
Mykola Bondarenko, who represented the VEKA company, noted that modern thermal modernization of a building is a complex of innovative systems and solutions, which today contains three main factors: a highly efficient heat regulation system (heating), thermoactive ventilation, and, of course, high-quality modern window systems.
"I am convinced that if we had worked properly with these factors, there would be no need to deal with facades," Bondarenko said, adding that another important tool for influencing building owners should again be liability for unauthorized insulation. Here, Bondarenko appealed to the Austrian experience: the country has a Federal Agency for Monuments, which regulates this issue and has the means to hold owners who spoil the appearance of buildings accountable. De jure, Ukraine also provides for liability for damage to architectural monuments by insulation, but in practice, no one bears real responsibility.
What to do with dilapidated monuments?
No matter how odious a modernist building may be to the authorities or developers, it has a better chance of “surviving” if it is at least somehow exploited. Another thing is buildings that have already been interfered with and now stand in half-ruin. The most striking example is the “Flowers of Ukraine” building on Sichovyh Striltsiv Street, designed by Mykola Levchuk.
In the photo: Mykola Morozov, Bohdan Protsiv and Mykola Bondarenko. Morozov expressed the opinion that the dilapidated building of "Flowers of Ukraine" should be dismantled. Photo: Maksym Drobinenko
Architect Mykola Morozov expressed a radical thesis that it is more rational to dismantle such buildings and create something new in their place. "The life of this building can be restored when we have three factors. First, the materials with which the renovation should take place. The second important factor is funds. That is, a patron, an investment fund, the European Union, the state, etc. And the third point is that there are those who are ready to do it. When we have these three points, the building should be restored. If they are not there, the building will continue to stand as a ruin. And in this case, we will either dismantle it or go to the Budapest format, arranging the so-called ruin pubs."
Architect and architectural researcher Sofia Galat countered Mykola Morozov's proposal: "'Flowers of Ukraine' must be preserved." Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
Mykola Morozov responded to the radical proposal Sofia Galat — an architect who was a listener to the discussion. She said that together with the activists she prevented the destruction of “Flowers of Ukraine” in 2021: “If we answer your proposal with a counterargument, then “Flowers of Ukraine” must be preserved. At least as a very important social precedent and cultural phenomenon. It is not true that nothing is happening there: a lot is happening. Every month, legal proceedings continue, which are not physically visible. But there are also talks and cultural events taking place inside to maintain the building in proper condition.”
Mykola Bondarenko: "When a foreigner comes to Ukraine, how does he get to know our country? The first thing he sees is our architecture. Therefore, any culturally important building must definitely be preserved, reconstructed, and modernized."
Bohdan Protsiv noted: "I cannot speak for or against demolition. I am for research and the conclusions from these studies. Each building is unique, and accordingly each list of possible interventions and transformations will also be unique. This should be a certain architectural and historical consulting that will give an answer to where we can move."
The architectural MeetUp took place in the MLYN design hub. The event brought together Ukrainian architects, designers and public activists. Photo: Yuriy Ferendovych
Mykola Bondarenko finalized the panel discussion: in his opinion, all significant buildings, including "Flowers of Ukraine", should be preserved, but the main thing is to fill them with the right functionality and meaning.
"This issue is much broader in view of the war, which has been going on for 11 years. Any building, whether an architectural monument or not, is an inseparable part of our culture and history. When a foreigner comes to Ukraine, how does he get to know our country? The first thing he sees is our architecture, buildings. Therefore, I am unequivocally in favor of maintaining any culturally important building in proper condition, reconstructing and modernizing it. But it is also important what meaning it will be filled with. It seems to me that this is the starting point from which we should move towards the renovation of the modernist heritage," he said.
