Vision of a New Home: Pre-design Discussion of a Housing Block for IDPs from Bakhmut

The need for housing for internally displaced persons from the Bakhmut community is currently one of the most pressing challenges. The loss of homes and prolonged displacement significantly affect people’s quality of life and their ability to plan for the future.
As part of the project, the team conducted research and engaged IDPs from the Bakhmut community together with housing policy experts in a structured discussion process. Based on the collected insights, a set of recommendations was developed regarding potential housing models and key design principles.
Housing models and settlement approach
One of the key conclusions was the need to combine several settlement models in order to address the diverse needs of households and different life situations. The recommendations focus on the development of municipal rental housing and temporary housing as core formats.
At the same time, allocating a share of housing for the host community is essential. This approach supports social integration and reduces the risk of spatial and social isolation of the new quarter.
Value-based criteria for access to housing were also formulated. Priority is recommended for families with children, households that include persons with disabilities, and elderly people living alone. Implementing such models requires clear governance mechanisms and partnerships with relevant institutions.
Design principles
● The design recommendations are grounded in identified needs and structured around three spatial objectives:
● creating a barrier-free and inclusive environment;
● accommodating the everyday practices of Bakhmut residents;
● shaping spatial conditions that support community development.
Detailed recommendations are organised into thematic sections and presented in the main project document.

The project “A Shared Vision of a New Home: Pre-project discussion of a residential neighborhood for IDPs from Bakhmut” is being implemented as part of the “Impulse” Project, which is being implemented by the International Renaissance Foundation and the Eastern Europe Foundation, with funding from Norway (Norad) and Sweden (Sida). The content of the material does not necessarily reflect the position of the International Renaissance Foundation, the Eastern Europe Foundation, the Government of Norway, or the Government of Sweden.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the Ro3kvit NGO, the Anti-Crisis Media Center NGO, and the Bakhmut Fortress NGO.