TED: How to design for dignity during times of war | Slava Balbek

The speaker, an architect turned military volunteer, shares their journey from pre-war life to adapting to the war in Ukraine. They discuss founding an emergency kitchen and developing temporary housing solutions for displaced people. The narrative highlights the importance of community, resilience, and innovation in the face of adversity, emphasizing the role of architecture in providing dignity and a sense of home. The speaker also introduces tools for rebuilding and preserving cultural heritage, showcasing the power of collective effort and adaptability.

What role does the narrator primarily identify with now?

• Architect

• Cafe Designer

• Military Volunteer

• Entrepreneur

What was one of the architectural projects mentioned by the narrator before the war?

• A bridge in Paris

• A museum in London

• A church renovation in San Francisco

• A skyscraper in New York

What was the initial reaction of the narrator's team to the Russian invasion?

• They organized a protest

• They continued their architectural projects

• They fled to safer areas

• They immediately took up arms

What was the primary goal of the Kiev Volunteer organization?

• To provide shelter

• To cook meals for Territorial Defense units

• To offer medical aid

• To rebuild infrastructure

What insight did the narrator gain about the concept of 'home' during their humanitarian mission?

• Home is a temple and can be healing

• Home is just a physical structure

• Home is only about luxury

• Home is defined by its location

What is the main focus of Ray Ukraine Housing?

• Building luxury apartments

• Creating dignified temporary housing

• Developing commercial spaces

• Designing public parks

What was the symbolic significance of the Butcher District for the Ray Ukraine Housing project?

• It was a site of architectural innovation

• It was known for its natural beauty

• It was a hub for cultural activities

• It was a site of Russian atrocities

What tool did the narrator's team create to assist with rural housing restoration?

• Architectural Blueprint Generator

• Urban Development Kit

• Housing Restoration App

• Ray Ukraine Villages

How did the narrator's team adapt to power outages during their work?

• Using backup generators

• Working only during daylight

• Charging computers from a car inverter

• Using solar panels

What is the narrator's perspective on the future despite the ongoing challenges?

• It is scary and unpredictable

• It is entirely hopeless

• It is bleak and uncertain

• It is not that scary if embraced with dignity