Our Work in Ukraine

We have been actively working in Ukraine since June 2022. Not as observers, but on the ground. Designing, building, adapting, and learning alongside local partners in cities under extraordinary pressure.

We are already part of Ukraine’s journey of recovery and rebuilding. Through real projects, long-term partnerships, and daily collaboration, we have gained deep insight into the realities of working during wartime and early recovery. That experience means we are not preparing to engage. We are ready to continue.

Our team is geared for working in Ukraine. We understand the pace, the constraints, the bureaucracy, and the practical challenges of implementation. We work within a strong local and international network of municipalities, NGOs, volunteers, craftspeople, engineers, and sponsors, allowing projects to move from idea to reality even under difficult conditions.

From tactical urbanism and public space transformations to community gardens, therapy landscapes, and trauma-sensitive design, we bring hands-on experience, cultural awareness, and proven delivery. We know how to work in Ukraine because we are already doing it.

  • People walking and sitting in on Kontraktova Square in Podil, Kyiv, Ukraine. The TORV Kyiv project. With a Ferris wheel, colorful painted sidewalk, trees, and historic buildings in the background. By Coolville Design Lab.

    TORV Kyiv - World's Largest Tactical Urbanism Project

    KYIV, UKRAINE (2025-2026)

    The world’s largest tactical urbanism project—built in the heart of Kyiv during a full-scale war. Over 11,000 m² of dead asphalt transformed into a vibrant public space with benches, trees, art, play, and shade. No public money. Just urgency, design, and over 1,000 volunteers. It’s not just a square—it’s a prototype for a better city.

    READ MORE HERE

  • Podil Urban Farm Community garden in Kyiv, Ukraine, by Coolville Design Lab. A garden with wooden planter boxes filled with various plants, set along a concrete wall with wooden tools hanging on it.

    Podil Urban Farm - Community Garden

    KYIV, UKRAINE (2025)

    Hope takes root in the ruins. In the heart of Kyiv’s historic Podil district, on a forgotten plot left vacant since the Soviets demolished a building in 1985, something extraordinary is growing: a community garden for local citizens.

    Podil Urban Farm opened in Spring 2025.

    READ MORE HERE

  • Nordic Therapy Garden in Kyiv, Ukraine, by Coolville Design Lab. A small outdoor fire pit surrounded by a wooden fencing with benches in a wooded park area.

    Nordic Therapy Garden

    KYIV, UKRAINE (2024)

    Together with 1000 volunteers and generous sponsors we designed and built the first Nordic Therapy Garden to heal mental trauma and PTSD in Ukraine. Using Evidence-Based Health Design in Landscape Architecture and Nature-based Healing, the garden opened in June 2024.

    READ MORE HERE

  • Cover of a book titled '45 ideas for Ukrainian cities', by Mikael Colville-Andersen. With illustrations of people interacting in a cityscape, using abstract design and bold colors.

    Book: 45 Urban Ideas for Ukraine

    The first book about post-war reconstruction in Europe in the 21st Century is a collaboration with 31 experts in urbanism and architecture - designed to inspire Ukrainian cities and towns to make the right choices as they redesign, rethink and rebuild.

  • Group of children and adults seated at a long table, engaging in an urbanism workshop by Coolville Design Lab in Kyiv, Ukraine

    Kids Urbanism Workshops

    Having worked with kids in urbanism workshops around the world, it is great to bring the workshops to Ukraine. Starting with a weekend event with local kids in the Podil neighbourhood and moving on to school classes of 9-10 year olds. Tapping into their logical brilliance and encouraging them to redesign the streets of their city for the better.

  • People hanging laundry on a makeshift outdoor parklet in an urban street in Podil, Kyiv, Ukraine. By Coolville Design Lab.

    Tactical Urbanism

    The art of temporary urbanism is relatively unknown in Ukraine so sometimes you do things because you can - and because you simply can’t stop yourself. Fixing a parklet, building outdoor ping pong tables, printing CNC furniture for public spaces, you name it. Keeping busy. Making things better.