Features of the historical residential development of Kyiv Podil and modern problems of use

The article examines the challenges of preserving and adapting the Podil historical residential development for modern use. Podil is one of Kyiv’s oldest residential areas (the capital of Ukraine), known since the time of Kyivan Rus’. Historically, it was a centre of trade and crafts, with low-rise buildings. Unlike other historical districts of Kyiv, Podil has preserved the authentic character of its original development to the greatest extent. Several brick churches and stone houses from the 17th–18th centuries have survived, and their locations reflect the original layout. Most of the development dates to the 19th–20th centuries, and houses in the historicist style predominate. The problems associated with their use are outlined. These include non-compliance with modern standards for comfortable housing, enfilade planning, division into “front” and “back” zones, inconspicuous courtyard houses within the boundaries of former estates, and closed courtyards without insolation and aeration. At the same time, the main problem is the mismatch between these low- and medium-rise buildings and Kyiv’s growth rates, and therefore the need to increase housing volume. Examples of confrontation between developers and activists who advocate the preservation of historical buildings are given. The authors propose a vision for solving this problem, based on an analysis of the experience of other cities and countries.