Masterplan Series: Mykolaiv Embraces a Tech-Powered Future
The UN4UkrainianCities Masterplan Series continues its exploration of urban transformation in Ukraine through detailed conversations with experts from One Works Foundation. These articles aim to make complex urban planning concepts accessible to the public, policymakers, and development professionals. In this installment, we delve into Mykolaiv's vision for becoming a technology-oriented city, with insights from Lucas London of One Works Foundation.
Innovation District: Creating a Hub for Technology and Talent
At the heart of Mykolaiv's technological transformation lies the Innovation District, a pilot project that serves as a catalyst for the city's broader evolution. "Rather than trying to do everything at the same time, it is best to start in one concrete area," London explains. The district is envisioned as more than just a business park; it is designed to be a comprehensive ecosystem where international technology companies and Ukrainian startups can thrive side by side.
The focus, however, extends beyond mere infrastructure. "It is not just about offices, having office spaces, but it is also about creating a community," London emphasizes. "The most important part of technology companies is still the people. It is not computers, it is not servers, it's actually still people that drive technology." This human-centric approach shapes the district's design, creating spaces where knowledge workers can build their lives, raise families, and nurture the next generation of innovators.
Education as the Foundation for Innovation
The masterplan leverages Mykolaiv's existing educational strengths, particularly the presence of the National University for Shipbuilding within the Innovation District's premises. This strategic location creates natural synergies between academia and the private sector. "What we try to do in the innovation district is to build a strong bridge between education, or say, the academic world and the private sector," London notes.
The vision for education extends beyond higher learning. The masterplan incorporates facilities for all age groups, from nurseries to vocational institutes, creating what London describes as education "at all levels, all years of development, which can foster the next generation of future innovators in Ukraine."
Balancing Digital and Human Connections in the Smart City
One Works Foundations approach to creating a smart city in Mykolaiv challenges common preconceptions. "A smart city does not need to be that complex. It is actually fundamentally a very simple idea," London explains. The plan combines two types of technology: "invisible" systems that manage city infrastructure efficiently, and "tangible" technologies that residents interact with daily.
The invisible layer includes utilities monitoring, resource management, and traffic systems working quietly in the background. The visible layer manifests in user-friendly applications that enhance daily life – for instance, apps that help residents optimize their commute based on real-time conditions. However, London emphasizes that digital transformation must be balanced with human connection:
“We cannot do everything online, we should not do everything online. We need to find ways to complement the digital world with the physical world.”
This philosophy is reflected in the Innovation District's design, which incorporates plenty of physical spaces for community interaction. "You still need the physical spaces that encourage interaction – the cafes, the small pocket parks, the larger green areas, the theaters and cultural spaces where people can gather," London explains. These spaces ensure that technological advancement enhances rather than replaces human connection.
The masterplan's approach to smart city development returns to classical urban planning principles while incorporating modern technology. The goal is to create a human-centric, accessible, and walkable city where technology serves to improve quality of life. As London puts it, "We have been making smart cities for centuries. We just did not realize it."
Through this thoughtful integration of technology, education, and community spaces, Mykolaiv's masterplan lays the groundwork for a future where innovation drives progress while maintaining the human connections that make cities truly livable. The transformation envisioned is not just about implementing new technologies, but about creating an environment where both technology and people can thrive together.