Statement on Ukraine

AIA Philadelphia recognizes the architecture profession’s ethical and moral obligation to protect life and assure public safety. Conversely, the profession also must identify and condemn any intentional threat to life and safety, while offering the support to the victims that our community is able to provide. Willful destruction of human lives and cities is the antithesis of this commitment, and we condemn President Putin’s invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine.

Philadelphia has one of the largest communities of people of Ukrainian descent and Ukrainian immigrants in the country, whose culture has shaped our neighborhoods and enriched our city. We have heard from members asking what actions the AIA Philadelphia is taking or recommending to help support peace efforts, and to alleviate Ukrainians’ suffering and the refugee crisis.

AIA Philadelphia condemns the bombardment of Ukraine’s hospitals, schools, homes and its rich cultural and architectural heritage.

We also acknowledge that AIA has not always identified and condemned any and every intentional threat to life and safety, and we should strive to do better in the future. The resources outlined here, are resources we should all avail ourselves to whenever a community is experiencing such violence and destruction.

What can you do:

ONE

Participate in the program to hire Ukrainian architects fleeing the invasion. https://hireforukraine.org/

TWO

Donate.

Locally.

From Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception:

1. Write a check to the “Ukrainian Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia” and send it to the office at 810 North Franklin Street, Philadelphia PA 19123. Please write on the check “Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine”;
2. You can donate on the Philadelphia Archdiocese's website www.ukrarcheparchy.us, and click on Donate through PAY-PAL and select "WAR VICTIMS AND HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN UKRAINE";
3. You can donate through the Cathedral by making checks payable to “Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral” with memo “Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine”, and sending to 819 North 8th street, Philadelphia PA 19123.

City of Philadelphia Resources

https://www.phila.gov/2022-04-19-how-you-can-help-the-ukrainian-community-in-philadelphia/

National Resources. AIA National has a list of resources:

https://www.aia.org/pages/6480521-crisis-in-ukraine

THREE

Participate in public discourse. You or your firm can use your platforms to speak out in support of the people of Ukraine. Far from being a soft measure, this keeps the issue in the public eye, something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asks for.

FOUR

Consider economic sanctions and geopolitics. These architecture firms have pledged to cease work on projects in Russia.