MVRDV stops all of its projects in russia in solidarity with ukraine

inhumane invasion and attack

MVRDV, a design and urban design practice founded in 1993 by winy maas, jacob van rijs and nathalie de vries, believes in a highly collaborative, research-based design method that involves clients, stakeholders, and experts from a wide range of fields. the results of the creative process give birth to outspoken projects that enable cities and landscapes to develop towards a better future. to continue building the well-being of the future, MVRDV stops all of its russian projects amid the inhumane invasion and attack of russia towards ukraine.

based on the statement the studio released on february 28, the whole team stands in solidarity with all the people who are defying and protesting against this war. ‘we strongly condemn the violence. as architects and urbanists, we work in many countries to make a difference and we believe wholeheartedly in international dialogue and in peace. for this reason, we have immediately stopped our involvement in projects in russia until further notice.’

images courtesy of MVRDV

a two-fold influence

as a practice, the studio reveals how the decision and situation affect them. ‘our projects in ukraine have sadly been put on hold by the atrocities. right after the start of the invasion, we began contacting our ukrainian friends and partners in support and we try to remain in touch. they are brave and they are experiencing incredible hardship. we have stopped our russian projects, even though this means we have to stop collaborating with people we have known for years, and who are dedicated to bringing a more collaborative international outlook to russia.’

render of RED7 project

halting all the projects

going through the projects of MVRDV, the studio is involved in several projects including a university and a shipyard in saint petersburg, a residential complex and a factory in moscow, and a smart school in irkutsk. ‘until recently, we walked the streets that are now a war zone. our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts are with the people of ukraine. we are thinking about our friends, partners, and clients that are in danger at this moment. we support our colleagues who are worried about their country and their loved ones,’ the practice states.

render of new holland island project