Samenvatting

Postwar reconstruction nowadays has become a deeply researched subject, not only to meet the need for rebuilding in former war zones, but also to meet the requirements of the homecoming after people’s return. This project, situated in the Saltivka micro district in Kharkiv, Ukraine, follows a number of steps to structure the reconstruction process in response to different needs and options in the whole process, at first from the return of refugees in temporary housing, to total renewal of the neighborhood or district in the longer run. By way of so-called amateur-assisted community construction, reconstruction can start from a maker’s hub, where standardized panels are made of wood and straw. They serve as parts of prefabricated designs for temporary units, up to larger new blocks, and for repairs of damaged prewar soviet housing blocks. Property rights play a role here, because part of the soviet block apartments is privately owned and, if still standing, will be taken up again by their owners. In demolished areas new constructions can go up in new configurations, with community programs in addition to the housing program. By new ways of planning the districts can be improved, while still retaining elements from before the war. A clever use of linked scenarios ensures a circular and sustainable way of building for all stages in the reconstruction process, and offers a guided process for total renewal, which uses and promotes participation and community values.