Autor: Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska

See more: FORTE CULTURA Kongress 2026, La Línea de la Concepción (ES)

This article is based on a conference presentation delivered in 2026 in La Línea by Professor Oresta Remeshylo-Rybchynska, which addressed the theme of sustainability and its growing significance in contemporary spatial, cultural, and architectural discourse. Building on the ideas presented, the following study further develops key aspects of sustainable development in relation to heritage, landscape, and post-conflict spatial transformation, with a particular focus on the context of Ukraine.

In the context of contemporary global challenges related to climate change, urbanization, demographic transformations, and armed conflicts, the concept of sustainable development has become particularly relevant.

For Ukraine, this issue has a dual dimension: on the one hand, the need for post-war reconstruction and spatial transformation, and on the other, the preservation and actualization of cultural heritage as carriers of historical memory and identity.

A special role in this context is played by historical fortification complexes, which have formed the defensive framework of Ukrainian lands for centuries. Castles, bastioned fortifications, forts, and defensive lines have largely lost their original function today, yet remain significant elements of the cultural landscape. Their physical condition, fragmentary preservation, and often the lack of a clear strategy for use require a new conceptual approach.

The aim of this study is to analyze the principles of sustainable development in Ukraine and to substantiate the possibilities of their implementation in existing historical fortification complexes as elements of the cultural landscape and contemporary social space.

The methodological basis of the work consists of interdisciplinary approaches combining sustainable development theory, principles of cultural heritage protection, architectural and design analysis, and spatial planning. The study employs methods of historical-typological analysis, comparative analysis of international experience, systemic and morphological analysis of historical environments, as well as contextual and scenario-based design methods.

Of particular importance is the cultural landscape approach proposed in UNESCO and ICOMOS documents, which considers heritage objects not in isolation but within a system of natural, social, and cultural interrelations. The term “sustainable development” was first formulated in the UN report Our Common Future (1987), defining it as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The concept was further developed within Agenda 21 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (2015).

The classical model of sustainable development is based on three interconnected components: environmental, social, and economic. However, in the field of culture and heritage, a fourth dimension—the cultural one—is increasingly emphasized (Throsby, 2010), encompassing issues of identity, historical memory, symbolic meaning of places, and continuity of development. In architecture, sustainable development implies a shift from new construction toward preservation, adaptation, and reuse of existing structures, aligning with the principles of the circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

In Ukraine, the concept of sustainable development is enshrined in strategic and regulatory documents, including the National Report “Sustainable Development Goals: Ukraine,” the State Regional Development Strategy, and legislation in the field of cultural heritage protection. Ukrainian scholars emphasize that sustainable development of historical territories is impossible without integrating conservation, social, and economic mechanisms. The issue of heritage management remains particularly relevant, as it is often fragmented and fails to ensure the long-term viability of heritage sites.

Fortification complexes are unique spatial formations combining architectural, engineering, and landscape components. They were shaped in accordance with natural relief, hydrography, and strategic routes, making them an integral part of the cultural landscape. According to UNESCO approaches, a cultural landscape is the result of long-term interaction between humans and nature. In this sense, fortifications are not only architectural objects but also markers of historical processes that have shaped territorial development.

International practice demonstrates successful examples of adaptive reuse of fortification sites. In European countries, castles and forts are integrated into tourism, cultural, and educational infrastructure with minimal intervention in their authentic structure. ICOMOS documents emphasize that adaptation should be based on the principles of reversibility of interventions, readability of new elements, and respect for historical stratigraphy.

The implementation of sustainable development principles in Ukrainian fortification complexes may be carried out in the following directions:

• Environmental — preservation of the natural landscape, use of energy-efficient solutions, minimization of interventions in soil and relief;
• Social — involvement of local communities, creation of public spaces, inclusivity and accessibility;
• Economic — development of cultural tourism, creative industries, educational and research programs;
• Cultural — preservation of authenticity, intangible heritage, and the historical multilayered character of space.

Contemporary design within historical fortification complexes acts as a tool of communication between the past and the present. Temporary pavilions, exhibition structures, and navigation systems can function as “soft” interventions without disrupting the integrity of the monument. Such an approach aligns with sustainable development principles, as it emphasizes adaptability, reversibility, and minimal impact on the historical fabric.

Thus, the principles of sustainable development provide an effective conceptual framework for the preservation and revitalization of Ukraine’s historical fortification complexes. Their implementation makes it possible to transform these sites from passive carriers of memory into active elements of cultural, social, and economic development. In current conditions, this is one of the key directions for shaping a resilient model of spatial development in Ukraine.