On the 24th of February 2022, Russia launched a large-scale invasion of Ukraine. Set to become Europe’s largest refugee crisis and armed conflict in this century, so far, this war has mobilized people across the world in order to exert pressure on authorities and put a stop to the armed hostilities. Individuals, as well as institutions in the architectural field, have taken part in these acts of solidarity, issuing statements, condemning actions, and even halting their work in Russia. From the UIA to MVRDV to Russian Institutions such as Strelka, the architecture world is denouncing the acts of violence and supporting an immediate cease of fire.
In support of Ukraine, the International Union of Architects (UIA), the leading global organization of architects, issued a letter expressing “its unwavering solidarity with all those affected and calls for unity and peace among nations”, condemning any act of violence or war. Founded in 1948, after the Second World War, to unite architects around the world and actively participate in the reconstruction of devastated cities and villages, the UIA is also calling for “the protection of the invaluable architectural heritage threatened by this conflict”.
