As part of an international collaboration supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, DRMA joined a multidisciplinary team to develop a vision for Lviv North — a 500-hectare urban expansion area including the UNBROKEN medical campus. Responding to the challenges of war, displacement and rapid urban growth, the proposal explores how architecture, landscape and urban planning can shape a resilient future for the city.
How do you plan for the future of a city while its country is under attack?
As part of an international initiative supporting Ukraine's reconstruction, DRMA joined a Ukrainian-European team to explore the future of Lviv North — one of the city's largest urban development areas. With war, displacement and growing demands for housing, healthcare and public infrastructure, the project addresses a fundamental challenge: how to plan for long-term urban growth in times of uncertainty.
A network of distinct neighborhoods, local centers and public spaces brings everyday life closer together. The UNBROKEN medical and rehabilitation campus becomes a central anchor for healthcare, education and community life. New housing, shared spaces and productive landscapes support social integration and a sense of belonging.
The strategy combines flexible urban development with a phased mobility network. New neighborhoods develop alongside improved public transport, a future tram corridor and a connected system of green public spaces. By adapting to existing conditions and changing needs, the proposal offers a framework for growth that can evolve over time.
Reconstruction is more than replacing what has been lost. It is an opportunity to strengthen communities, restore connections and shape a more resilient future. By building on the landscape, history and people already there, The Emerald Network explores how urban planning can contribute to Ukraine's long-term recovery.
Five interdisciplinary teams developed alternative visions through a collaborative process involving local communities, city authorities and international experts.
Rather than choosing a winner, the process brings together different perspectives to shape a shared vision for Lviv North — making planning a tool for dialogue, cooperation and long-term resilience.
