On October 17, a Therapeutic Garden opened in Kyiv at the VDNH, aimed at assisting veterans and all who require support. This initiative was developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and urban design teams as part of the national strategy for creating an accessible environment in Ukraine.
The garden engages visitors through the five senses — sight, smell, hearing, touch, and taste. Its primary goal is to promote health recovery through interaction with nature. The space features areas for therapeutic gardening, adaptive sports, body practices, and children's play.
“We all, especially those who have experienced the pain of war, lack places that provide a sense of safety and tranquility. This garden allows us to reconnect with those feelings. This is the therapeutic effect of nature, confirmed by various studies,” said Ukraine's First Lady Olena Zelenska during the opening ceremony.
Therapeutic programs are currently being developed to work with military personnel, veterans, and their families, with the garden open to all visitors year-round.
All plants in the garden are chosen for their positive effects and are planted without strict lines or symmetry, creating a natural environment with diverse blooming periods to keep the space vibrant throughout the year. Adaptation of the plants will take time, but the outcome is worth it.
“To create a garden that truly serves a therapeutic purpose, we've researched various aspects including space functionality, infrastructure, therapeutic programs, and natural components. With expert consultations, we've designed a space that aids in rehabilitation and recovery,” explained Max Yakover, founder of Big City Lab.
The garden also includes lighting systems from Expolight, which create meditative pathways and a feeling of coziness and safety.
The entire area is barrier-free, featuring firm, non-slip surfaces, raised mobile beds for therapeutic gardening, and relaxation zones equipped with benches and armrests, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users.
“Our mission at VDNH is to be the best version of the future. This project is fundamentally about caring for people. It’s crucial to have spaces that facilitate recovery,” emphasized VDNH Development Director Yevhen Mushkin.
The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Veterans Affairs Natalia Kalmykova, the President's advisor on accessibility issues Tatyana Lomakina, and various other representatives.
The Therapeutic Garden is being implemented as a pilot project, which may serve as an important component of rehabilitation infrastructure in Ukraine.
This initiative is being realized by VDNH in partnership with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. The garden is designed by Big City Lab in collaboration with the architectural bureau PUPA.
