Conceptual Foundations and Priorities of Spatial Development of Cities in the Process of Post-War Reconstruction of Ukraine

The article discusses the proposals of urban and spatial planning experts on the postwar reconstruction of Ukrainian cities. Projects for the reconstruction of Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Irpin were reviewed. Foreign experts are involved in the postwar reconstruction of Ukrainian cities. Famous architects and urbanists are also studying the experience of post-war reconstruction of European cities after World War II and the war in the Balkans. These are not always successful examples given the Ukrainian context and current trends in urban development. Today, there is a clear recovery plan, strategies, and projects for the restoration of Ukrainian cities that have suffered the most from the hostilities. Ukraine's recovery plan, presented at the Lugano International Conference in July 2022, envisages attracting more than 750 billion for reconstruction and development over the next ten years. In the current realities of Ukraine, urbanists face complex problems of updating and developing new project documents for the spatial development of cities, communities, and regions. Scientific substantiation of design decisions is needed. Therefore, it is important to update the methodological platform of urban studies. Based on an analysis of many expert proposals, priorities in reconstruction strategies and projects, and a generalization of current global urban development concepts, we have compiled a methodological model of the conceptual framework on which spatial planning for urban development in the postwar recovery process should be based. The theoretical basis for the implementation of the main priorities of reconstruction is the scientific concepts of modern urbanism: compact city, creative city, green city, smart city, healthy city, as well as integrated development and typology of cities. These principles include the restoration of infrastructure, housing, design of barrier-free and inclusive spaces, digitalization in governance, and new standards for spatial planning of buildings for safety. The priority area of reconstruction is the restoration of city-forming industries and enterprises that form the economic basis of urban development. Only the accelerated development of industry can raise the level of Ukrainian science and education, and help restore jobs in cities, facilitating the return of Ukrainian citizens. The author emphasizes the need to update integrated concepts and strategies for the development of rear cities in line with current challenges. In the context of war and postwar reconstruction, these informal spatial planning documents need to be supplemented. The analytical base and clear short-term actions need to be supplemented in accordance with global concepts of urban development and security measures. We need to rethink cities and put people first - their lives, safety, and health. In this context, it is worth recalling the well-known urban concept of a "healthy city", which involves creating a healthy urban environment in which people are protected. In general, there is a lack of scientific justification for a holistic concept and principles of reconstruction, a vision of the future pace and prospects of Ukraine's urbanization, and the development of a network of small and medium-sized cities. In general, there is a need to supplement the methodological platform of Ukrainian urbanism and to develop new project documents on the spatial development of communities and cities in the process of postwar reconstruction based on scientific findings. Keywords: postwar reconstruction, spatial planning, urban development concepts, reconstruction projects