How a Ukrainian city is finding resilience in nature

In the wake of conflict and devastation, the city of Bucha, Ukraine, is finding ways to heal and rebuild. One of the most inspiring initiatives to emerge from this process is the Bucha Forest Classroom, a project supported by Climate KIC as part of the EIT Community New European Bauhaus (NEB).

This month, we’re highlighting projects that are transforming cities across Europe into climate-resilient, just, and regenerative places. The Bucha Forest Classroom demonstrates how enhancing natural spaces within urban environments can strengthen community resilience and support holistic wellbeing.

From tragedy to renewal

Bucha’s location in the context of north-central Ukraine.

The atrocities that occurred in Bucha will live long in the memories of the community. Many civilians were killed during the early stages of the Russian invasion in April 2022. Following intense fighting, Russian forces eventually retreated, leaving Bucha to confront the formidable task of rebuilding both its physical infrastructure and its sense of community. In the aftermath, restoring the city’s education facilities emerged as a key priority.

The Bucha Forest Classroom is an extension of the larger Bucha School project, which began in the summer of 2022. Initially, the project began when a Lithuanian business group, owning an unused land plot in Bucha, decided to donate part of it for the construction of a new school. Drawing on their experience in developing schools across Lithuania, Poland, and Latvia, the project team partnered with Climate KIC, to create a learning space that would support the community’s recovery.

The project’s concept was further inspired by the principles of the New European Bauhaus principles which advocate for sustainable, inclusive spaces that embrace style beyond functionality. As Aivaras Karalius, CEO of BT Invest and a key coordinator of the project, explained:

“The idea is to create a smaller, nature-integrated educational space – a ‘little brother’ project to the larger Bucha School – using sustainable, innovative materials.”

Making space for people and nature

The park in which the Bucha Forest Classroom will be constructed.

Situated in a public park, the Bucha Forest Classroom has been designed as a multi-functional community hub. The classroom will integrate sustainable, circular materials into its construction, such as straw panels and protective window film on the external glass to minimise bird collisions with the windows, and help to maintain the wildlife of the park.

The classroom’s natural setting is designed to encourage learning both in and around the environment. It will serve as an open, calming space where students can learn about local biodiversity and develop environmental stewardship skills. Beyond education, the classroom will also function as a place of psychological support, providing the community with a neutral, green space to disconnect from the city.

A participatory approach to design

How the Bucha Forest Classroom will appear from the outside.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Bucha Forest Classroom is its participatory design process. Children are actively involved in shaping the space, from conceptualising the structure to selecting materials. As Aivaras noted:

“It’s like building a tree house – full of fun and creativity. This hands-on involvement creates a sense of ownership and ensures that students value and protect the space.”

Through engaging children in co-design, the initiative teaches them about regenerative architecture, while also encouraging them to become guardians of their learning environment.

Partnering with the EIT Community NEB

The interior of the Bucha Forest Classroom mirrors the external natural space.

Collaboration with the EIT Community NEB has played an important role in shaping the project. The initiative’s focus on integrating sustainability with community-driven design aligns well with Bucha’s recovery efforts. Aivaras highlighted the value of being part of this network:

“The workshop sessions are incredibly beneficial – they bring together public and private sectors, creating a collaborative environment where ideas flow and innovation thrives.”

The Bucha Forest Classroom has been supported through Co-create NEB, one of the programmes within the wider EIT Community NEB ecosystem. The Co-create NEB programme calls on local communities and municipal authorities to re-design public space, which supports community-led innovation and sustainable urban transformation.

Recovery and hope

Warm, neutral learning spaces within the Bucha Forest Classroom.

The Bucha Forest Classroom is currently in the final stages of preparation and is expected to be finished in late 2025. As Bucha rebuilds, the Forest Classroom will become a symbol of the city’s resilience and its commitment to sustainable, inclusive recovery.

Climate KIC’s support of the project aligns with its broader mission of transforming cities into climate-resilient, regenerative places. By investing in nature-based solutions (NbS) and engaging communities in co-creation, the Bucha Forest Classroom provides a model for integrating environmental and social recovery into urban contexts.

This story is part of Climate KIC’s #LiveableCities Campaign 2025, which highlights our leadership in transforming cities across Europe into climate-resilient, just, and regenerative places. Through initiatives like NetZeroCities, CitiES 2030, Climathon, EIT Community New European Bauhaus and the Pilot Cities Programme, we support local governments and communities in creating scalable solutions to tackle climate challenges. By showcasing diverse approaches – from citizen engagement and innovative financing to sustainable mobility and urban heat mitigation – this campaign amplifies the stories behind the systems change we’re helping to orchestrate.