Building Sustainable and Resilient Cities in Ukraine: Functional Zoning and Form-Based Codes in Urban Development

This chapter explores various aspects of urban planning, zoning, and postwar reconstruction, centering its focus on the Ukrainian landscape. The core of the work revolves around the role played by multifunctional zoning and the methodology of volumetric and spatial zoning coupled with form-based codes (FBC) in shaping the urban future, particularly in the context of postwar reconstruction. The research underscores the intricacies inherent in urban systems and advocates for more flexible and sustainable urban planning approaches to meet the dynamic demands of contemporary cities. Traditional single-use zoning is scrutinized for its inflexibility in accommodating the multifarious requirements of modern urban centers. In response, multifunctional zoning emerges as a promising alternative, fostering the coexistence of diverse functions within urban spaces. Volumetric and spatial zoning, in synergy with FBC, is introduced as a transformative tool in urban development. This approach prioritizes the physical form, aesthetics, and cultural context of structures, striving to cultivate vibrant and sustainable urban environments. It underscores sustainability, energy efficiency, and the integration of green spaces, closely aligning with the aspiration for resilient and environmentally conscious cities. Moreover, the chapter accentuates the indispensable roles of functional zoning and volumetric and spatial zoning in rejuvenating areas that have borne the brunt of devastation in Ukraine due to conflict and neglect. These principles advocate for mixed-use spaces, thereby fostering economic vitality and bolstering investment attractiveness while preserving the rich historical and cultural heritage. Additionally, the chapter shifts its focus to the significance of the urban planning structure, transcending functional zones to spotlight the efficient connections that bind distinct parts of a city together. This interconnectivity serves as the essential framework facilitating the seamless movement of people, goods, and services, thereby underpinning the city’s adaptability and expansion. Against the backdrop of Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction, the research strongly advocates for holistic, sustainable, and culturally sensitive urban development strategies. This vision promises a vibrant and resilient future not only for urban spaces in Ukraine and, by extension, across the world.