Model for Recovering Mariupol Shattered by Russian Atrocities Unveiled at Venice Biennale

At the 19th International Architecture Biennale in Venice, a powerful new vision for Ukraine’s war-torn city of Mariupol was unveiled, The Gaze reports, citing RBC-Ukraine. 

The architectural project, titled Mariupol Reborn, outlines a human-centered blueprint for rebuilding the devastated city after its liberation, while satellite and photographic evidence suggests that over 22,000 civilians were killed by Russia in the siege.

The scale of destruction is staggering. 2,257 apartment buildings and 38,894 private homes have been destroyed or severely damaged. 85 cultural and sports facilities sustained damage. In total, 90% of the city’s vital infrastructure has been destroyed.

The project is a collaborative effort involving four Ukrainian architecture collectives—Ro3kvit, Mriya, Big City Lab, and Zotov & Co—working in partnership with local residents and international experts. 

The Mariupol Reborn strategy addresses not only infrastructure and housing but also the psychological scars left by war. It prioritizes the return of residents, job creation, ecological rehabilitation, and community healing. A key challenge is reimagining industrial zones, restoring cultural heritage, and converting trauma into a foundation for resilience.

“This urban vision is a step-by-step plan that will allow us to start implementing real reconstruction projects immediately after liberation,” said Deputy Mayor of Mariupol Serhii Zakharov. “The world must remember and support a city that held its defense for 86 days and continues to fight for its future.”

Martin Duplantier, President of the French Architecture Association, emphasized the international responsibility to preserve cultural heritage.

“We must remember that the preservation of cultural heritage and the role of architecture in post-conflict recovery are critical not only for Ukraine. France stands with you.”

The Mariupol Reborn initiative, supported by businesses such as Metinvest and SCM and the UK government, has already laid the foundation for Ukraine’s broader urban recovery strategy.

The effort also includes a new training program for municipal leaders, ensuring that local governance can lead reconstruction efforts once the city is liberated.

Read more on The Gaze: Mariupol Documentary Wins Top Award at Visions du Réel Festival