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Ukraine Reconstruction Project

REUkraine: REstart, REbuild, REcover
Innovative Foundations for a Strong Future

Visit our REUkraine Resources Page for further details and links to interviews and videos related to this project.

As a non-profit dedicated to promoting innovation in the Design and Construction industries, the Center for Innovation (CFI) is embarking on the biggest new design and construction opportunity of our lifetime. Together with our Ukrainian partner, Dobrobat, CFI has begun to help Ukrainians plan for reconstruction, even as the war continues.

On July 28, 2023, CFI partnered with Dobrobat, a rapid rebuilding response organization in Ukraine, to host a national conversation in Kyiv, Ukraine. Over 400 government ministers, mayors, and concerned citizens gathered to discuss post-war reconstruction with CFI leaders (pictured to the right). The event was free and was recorded and live-streamed. CFI hosted a post-Ukraine trip webinar on August 25th to recap the conference and what we learned.


view of conference room in Ukraine
Andrii Lakshatanov and Nancy Pelosi

In January 2024, with the assistance of the US State Department, Office of Global Partnerships, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and numerous donors, CFI hosted a delegation of Ukrainian government officials and design and construction experts to the San Francisco Bay Area. Participants in the Study Trip committed to participating in the trip as a “community of practice” signing agreements to continue to work together to begin planning for a sustainable, Ukrainian led reconstruction process, even as the war continues.

While in the San Francisco Bay Area, the delegation met with leading researchers at UC Berkeley and Stanford University; visited transformational projects like the UCSF Health’s new hospital project; Presidio Trust, Factory O/S, and more. Technical experts and media partners listed below, facilitated an exchange of ideas and expertise that will pave the way for reconstruction success.

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Want to help?

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Why Help?

Two years ago, Ukraine found itself the victim of a devastating invasion by Russian forces. This act of unanticipated aggression was met with global outrage. Condemnations echoed from the United Nations General Assembly chambers to the halls of power in the United States, with the vast majority of the international community united in their denouncement of Russia's unjustified/unprovoked actions.

As the conflict continues, the resilience and resourcefulness of the Ukrainian forces have been widely acknowledged, leading to their nickname as the "MacGyver army". Their adaptation of digital tools, novel strategies, and sheer ingenuity have astonished the world, highlighting their bravery and creativity amidst the backdrop of war.

President Zelensky's vision includes an immediate response to the pressing needs of war-torn communities. At the same time, he has urged design and construction leaders to consider the longer term, crafting strategies that not only repair the present damage but also lay the groundwork for a thriving peacetime economy.

Together, we can assist Ukraine in rising from the ashes of conflict to build a brighter and more resilient future.

The estimated cost of rebuilding Ukraine is more than $500 Billion USD.

Why Launch a National Reconstruction Conversation in Ukraine Now?

In the wake of devastation, the Center for Innovation and our Ukrainian partner, Dobrobat are igniting a movement that embraces technology and new materials and explores sustainable solutions to rebuild this resilient nation. Dobrorat is a Ukrainian-based volunteer construction battalion that assists survivors in the de-occupied territories in the restoration of housing and social infrastructure. They work closely with Ukrainian mayors in many damaged regions of the country. Together, we are harnessing new and proven means and methods to tap into the boundless creativity of the building and design industry.

Today, many Ukrainians don’t have a floor upon which to put their feet:

• Over 1.5 million homes have been damaged or destroyed during the war

• Over 3,800 schools in Ukraine have been damaged or completely destroyed

• Over 1,700 medical facilities have been damaged or destroyed

UNESCO has verified damage to over 250 sites, including museums, historic buildings, places of worship, monuments, and libraries. Ukrainians face an immense post-war rebuilding challenge.

Press interviewing CFI

Sharing Knowledge

Three men talking

In Fall 2023, the American Secretary of State , Antony Blinken (left) met with Dobrobat CEO, Dmytro Ivanov (center) to discuss emergency reconstruction and plans for rebuilding Ukraine.  Dmytro attended the San Francisco Study trip with Dobrobat founder, Rostyslav Smirnov and volunteer leader, Andrii Lakshtanov. CFI continues to work closely with the US State Department’s Office of Global Partnerships and the Ukrainian Consulate.

The scope of destruction calls for immediate action, even before peace is fully secured. The Ukrainian
people are determined to reconstruct their nation with ingenuity and seek guidance and expertise as they consider options and plan for a more resilient future.

The Ukrainian reconstruction effort will be the biggest opportunity for building innovation since World War II. This initiative is an exceptional moment for global collaboration; lessons learned will shape the future of building worldwide as other countries face military conflict and climate change.

CFI is proud to stand alongside Ukraine as it builds, quite literally, the foundations of resilience and renewal. We are united in a mission to rebuild sustainably – using the best technological and process techniques.

Be part of this transformative journey and help us shape a brighter future for Ukraine and beyond.

What Can the CFI Share With Ukrainians?

CFI will focus on sharing ideas including:

  • Providing innovative, proven solutions, processes, and resources to build homes, hospitals, and schools in a faster and healthier manner that can be supported by an expected shortage of design and construction professionals.
  • Recognizing the rich culture and history of Ukraine and recognizing that reconstruction must be a Ukrainian-led effort.
  • The power of innovation; exploring new methods and ideas that can be implemented on a scale not seen since the rebuilding of Europe at the end of WWII. Specific ideas we will be exploring:

Sustainability

  • Sustainable materials and methods
  • Energy microgrids
  • Repurposing material waste

Technology

  • AI, Augmented Reality, and technology
  • Virtual design and construction
  • Robotics

EFFICIENCY

  • Lean Methodology
  • Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
  • Industrialized construction
    Ukrainian construction workers

    What Are We Selling?

    Dobrobat and CFI are NGO’s-we aren’t selling anything;  our role is to provide ideas and hope. We do not endorse products or vendors.

    Who Will Benefit?

    Ukrainian participants at the beach

    Why Start This Process Now While the War Continues?

    Meet the Participants

    • Give Ukrainians hope
    • Planning for reconstruction doesn’t happen overnight and takes time to do well. Starting the process of imagining a better future gives time to consider alternatives.
    • With 16 million displaced Ukrainians eagerly awaiting to return home once the war ends, the urgency to begin planning for reconstruction cannot be overstated. Waiting for the conflict to cease isn’t a viable option. Building back better takes time.
    Andrii Boldov

    Andrii Boldov

    Vice-Rector for European Integration and Digital Transformation
    Irpin University

    Mr. Boldov leads the digital transformation efforts at Irpin University which was severely damaged at the beginning of the war.  The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees to prospective students. There are four accredited departments at the university which are public finance, financial markets, customs, and economic policy.

    Coming Soon
    Konstiantyn Demenkov

    Konstiantyn Demenkov

    Department for Cooperation with International Agencies and Financial Institutions, Kharkiv City Council

    Mr. Demenkov serves as a chief advisor for reconstruction to the City Council of Kharkiv.  This city, close to the Russian border, has been severely damaged during the war.  In May 2023, it was estimated that more than 6,500 houses were damaged, and 500 multi-story residential buildings were so badly damaged that they could not be restored. About 80 hospitals and clinics were damaged, in addition to cultural institutions, museums, universities, subways, buses, cars, and garages. Some were targeted hits, others collateral damage.

    Volodymyr Kreidenko

    Volodymyr Kreidenko

    Member of Parliament, Ukraine

    Volodymyr Kreidenko has been a member of Ukrainian parliament since 2019. He is a Deputy of Ukraine, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Transportation, and Infrastructure. Kreidenko is also project ambassador for Ukrainian NGO, Dobrobat.

    Coming Soon
    Oleksandr Markushyn

    Oleksandr Markushyn

    Mayor of Irpin, Ukraine

    Mayor Markushyn became the face of opposition to the Russian invasion early in the war when he ordered the destruction of the central bridge linking the city of Irpin to Kyiv, a mere 13 miles apart.  The decision to blow up this bridge prevented the Russian Army from reaching the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv.  In retaliation, the Russian army destroyed much of Irpin.  Today, Mayor Markushyn is actively rebuilding housing and schools in Irpin. With unwavering determination, he has actively defended the city of Irpin since the onset of the Russian-Ukraine war, garnering well-deserved recognition and accolades for his steadfast efforts in safeguarding the community.

    Daryna Nedzelska

    Daryna Nedzelska

    Culture Consultant at the UNESCO Kyiv Desk

    Daryna oversees projects focused on damage and risk assessment, emergency restoration, and stabilization work in Kyiv, Chernihiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv under the Heritage Emergency Fund support and within the Project “Support for Ukraine in Culture and Education through UNESCO: Emergency Response for World Heritage” and cultural property: damage assessment and protection’, funded through UNESCO.
    Daryna's dedication and contributions to culture and arts were recognized in 2018 when she received an honorary award from the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.

    Dmytro Serebrianskyi

    Dmytro Serebrianskyi

    Irpin University President (Rector)

    As the President of Irpin University, a university focused on Public Finance and associated programs, Mr. Serebrianskyi oversees the education of thousands of students annually.  The university was destroyed by Russians while in retreat following the Russian failure to capture Kyiv in the early days of the war. He has held teaching positions at several other Ukrainian universities and served as the Director of the Tax Monitoring Department of the State Tax Service of Ukraine. He also currently serves as an advisor the Ukrainian Ministry of Finance.

    Rostyslav Smirnov

    Rostyslav Smirnov

    Co-founder, Dobrobat

    Rostyslav Smirnov is a prominent public figure and dedicated civic activist in Ukraine. He co-founded Dobrobat, a non-profit organization created to recover the country and help the Ukrainians with the urgent recovery of the houses and social infrastructure on de-occupied territories. He studied Public Administration at the Kyiv National Academy of Internal Affairs at Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

    Coming Soon

    Members of the CFI's Board of Directors and other volunteers are currently meeting with Ukrainian leaders and helping resolve immediate rebuilding and construction issues.

    RE:Ukraine Project Interim Report 2024

    Read More >
    Streets of Ukraine

    'The World's Largest Construction Site': The Race Is On to Rebuild Ukraine

    Read More >
    The Ukraine: Living Under Siege while Planning for Peace

    The Ukraine: Living Under Siege While Planning For Peace

    Watch Now >

    The Center for Innovation wishes to thank the following for their support of this effort:

    Trimble LogoFerry Building logo
Dobrobat logoConsulate General Of Ukraine San Francisco logo
    Shack 15 logoGrace farms logoArchitectural Resources Group
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    Marc Benioff, Jamie Studley & Gary Smith, Baris Lostavali, Zig Rubel, Dean & Carol Reed, Stuart Eckblad, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Former Ambassador Michael McFaul, & Professor Martin Fischer, Kristen Bailey, Carroll Stevens, Louise Fox, Anne Kronenberg, Irina Gorb, Ashley Archie, Shekira Ramdass, Rebecca Roberts, Mark Chandler, Anne O'Driscoll, April Willoughby, Dan Geiger & Julie Blankenship, David Wessel, Diane Filippi, Elizabeth Crabtree, Eric Lam, Geraldine O'Brien, Geri Gmahling, Harry Kirsch, J Louise McGinnis Barber, Janet Collier, Jean Fraser & Geoff Gordon-Creed, Jenny Han, Jill Anthes, Joseph Rubel, Katie Olson, Kevin O'Connor & Kris Bailey, Larry Hillman & Sara Papas, Linda Jo Fritz, Logan Patrick, Mariano Curat, Marina Roelofs, Marc Benioff, Maureen Kosewic, Max Lara, Michael Bernard, Margie O'Driscoll & Niels Swinkels, Rebecca & Woodie Landeros, Simon Smundak, Susan Fassberg, Tiany Galaskas, Troy Thompson, Tuyet Le, Joyce K. Polhamus FAIA and J. Stuart Eckblad FAIA, and many others...

    Center for Innovation is a 501C-3 non-profit organization.
    Tax ID: 85-4176487