Dr Tomasz Jeleński in Ukraine: An International Project for the Protection of Architectural Heritage
From 18 to 26 October 2026, Dr Tomasz Jeleński took part for the fourth time in a working study visit to Ukraine, as part of an international project conducted in cooperation with the University of Notre Dame (USA) and the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv. The project supports the town of Zolochiv in the Lviv Oblast in its development planning, the protection of its historic heritage, and its preparation for future reconstruction and new investment.
Representing PK Krakow University of Technology and INTBAU, Dr Jeleński leads the project’s historic heritage team. One of the team’s main tasks is currently the preparation of an architectural guide and guidelines for the protection and partial reconstruction of Zolochiv’s historic buildings. The aim is to develop practical principles that will help preserve, and to a considerable extent restore, the historic architectural character of a town that has suffered wartime destruction as well as transformations resulting from Soviet-era development in its historic centre.
Planning for Recovery and Reconstruction
The project responds to the challenges facing Ukrainian cities during the war and in the prospect of post-war reconstruction. It addresses not only conservation issues but also the design and planning of new housing developments, including in response to the needs of around 3.5 million internally displaced persons forced to leave their homes because of the full-scale war. Working with local and regional authorities and with Ukrainian architects and urban planners, the project team is developing a planning methodology, including innovative regulatory tools for spatial development.
Workshops and Research in Zolochiv
During the October visit, the team presented the results of work begun during their stay in Zolochiv in March this year and held workshops attended by representatives of the city authorities, the city and regional architects, local specialists, investors, and other stakeholders. The project combines expertise in architecture, urban planning, and the social sciences, laying the groundwork for solutions for other towns affected by the war.
The visit also marked the next stage of scientific cooperation supported by a Notre Dame Global grant. An important part of the project is research at the intersection of urban planning and anthropology, focusing on the impact of the built environment on individuals and communities affected by trauma.
Dr Jeleński’s participation in the project reflects his wider work in sustainable urban management, heritage protection, and the use of tradition in contemporary architecture and urban planning. The architectural guide and design guidelines being prepared under his direction are to serve as practical tools to support the local government and residents of Zolochiv in making decisions about the future of the town’s historic buildings.
Dr Tomasz Jeleński is Director of the International Education Centre at PK Krakow University of Technology. He is also affiliated with INTBAU (International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture and Urbanism), where he serves as Chair of INTBAU Poland, a member of the Board of Trustees, and Director of INTBAU Charity.
Photo caption: The Zolochiv City Architect presents a historic photograph of one of the town’s tenement houses to illustrate the scale of post-war transformation and neglect of the town’s historic buildings.
