At the IALD Enlighten Europe convention, I had the opportunity to sit down with Lighting Designer Dean Skira to delve into the topic of rebuilding Ukraine. Our conversation touched upon thought-provoking points that shed light on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
One of the focal points of our discussion was the city of Bakhmut, which currently lies in ruins and is set to be rebuilt from scratch. The fundamental question that arises is whether the reconstruction should prioritize cars or people. Skira emphasized the need to consider the accumulated historic knowledge of our society in terms of urban planning, climate considerations, and the evolving needs of today’s workforce centered around human beings.
In reflecting on the rebuilding process, Skira expressed hope that politics would not hinder progress. He pointed out that many Ukrainian cities underwent expansion during the Soviet socialist era of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, when the nature of work and communication significantly differed from the present day. With technological advancements and changing work dynamics, physical presence in large office buildings is no longer a prerequisite for job performance.
Skira highlighted the importance of reimagining transportation in the rebuilt cities. He emphasized that a vehicle traveling from point A to point B doesn’t necessarily have to be a privately-owned car, suggesting alternative transportation models that prioritize sustainability and efficiency.
Moreover, Skira underscored the significant role of design in today’s world, particularly in relation to energy conservation, well-being, and the development of livable cities. He emphasized that, if political obstacles can be overcome, Bakhmut has the potential to become one of the most livable cities worldwide.
After our conversation, Skira shared a quote from Pope Ratzinger that resonated with him. The quote highlighted the dangers of a “dictatorship of relativism,” where individual desires and egos become the sole measures of value. Skira reflected on how the modern world has transitioned from one extreme to another, traversing ideologies and beliefs.
