Background

Since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022, large parts of the country, especially civilian facilities in rural areas, have been under massive attack. Schools, hospitals, residential buildings, and important infrastructure such as water and electricity supplies have been and continue to be attacked and destroyed. Rural regions, which form the backbone of the Ukrainian economy, have been severely affected. 

Ukraine is one of the world’s most important agricultural producers, and without functioning villages and infrastructure, agriculture is at risk. Wheat exports are particularly vital for Ukraine, as the country is one of the top global exporters, accounting for about 9% of the world’s wheat supply before the war. The disruption of wheat exports due to the conflict has significantly impacted global food security, driving up prices and threatening the livelihoods of millions who depend on Ukrainian wheat, particularly in regions like the Middle East and Africa. This not only led to a massive decline in agricultural production but also disrupted trade flows and caused a loss of income for the rural population.

The HOPE HOME • НАДІЯ project, therefore, focuses on combining artistic and scientific approaches to the development and use of natural building materials such as straw, hemp, clay, wood, sheep’s wool, and mushroom mycelium. These materials offer sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to the conventional construction industry, contributing significantly to climate change. 

As is now generally known, the building sector is responsible for almost 30 percent of global CO₂ emissions, 40 percent of energy consumption, 50 percent of resource consumption, 60 percent of waste generation, and more than 70 percent of land consumption.

The aim is to identify new reconstruction paths in Ukraine and transform the construction industry through a circular economy and renewable raw materials.