Investment potential of Odesa: a spring city that accumulates strength

Odesa remains one of the key centers of Ukraine's post-war recovery. Its geographical location, cultural heritage and tourist attraction create unique conditions for future investments. This was discussed at the architectural and design forum Odesa In.City - Investment, Innovation, Integration, which brought together more than 230 professionals - architects, designers, developers, realtors and business representatives.

Among the speakers was Yuriy Motuz, Executive Director of ARTVILLE development company (part of Zezman Holding). In his speech, he emphasized that the restoration of Odesa is not only the reconstruction of damaged buildings, but also the rethinking of the city's territory. According to him, the main focus should be on people and their daily needs: "It is not about square meters, but about creating a comfortable living environment."

When discussing the investment climate, Yuriy Motuz noted that foreign investors are currently waiting for more certainty, but they already see the huge potential of the southern region: "Odesa is like a spring: the city is accumulating power, and the moment will come when this energy will explode. We must be ready to meet this time."

He also emphasized that the main value of Odesa remains people and the city's special atmosphere - a combination of calmness, cheerfulness and openness that attracts not only tourists but also builds investor confidence.

The forum participants identified several key vectors:

• post-war Odesa should harmoniously combine the new with the historically valuable;
• design is becoming an economic tool and determines the city's competitiveness;
• Odesa's cultural identity is an important capital for tourism and investment;
• Sustainable development is possible only through the cooperation of architects, business, and government.

The investment plans identify two areas as the most promising:

• commercial real estate - quick payback and high demand;
• residential real estate - a reliable asset that retains its value in times of crisis.

Zezman Holding's principles: how innovative urban projects are created

Zezman Holding stands out among development companies because it sees the city not as a set of individual buildings, but as an integrated system where each element reinforces the other. The company's work is based on a set of Phygital Ecosystem principles that combine the physical and digital environment, providing residents with comfort and convenience in their daily lives. Thanks to this, architecture ceases to be just walls and roofs - it turns into an integrated platform that works for people.

One of the principles is "City as a subscription service" - "Create a model of access to urban infrastructure and services on a subscription basis - easily connected, scalable and manageable." It implies that a person can use urban infrastructure as easily as digital services: connecting and disconnecting those services that are needed right now. This makes the urban environment flexible and focused on the needs of residents. At the same time, the company focuses on education and community development, implementing the principle of Education and Community Development: "Create conditions for continuous learning, knowledge sharing and skills development through digital platforms, communities and accessible formats."

Zezman Holding also practices integrated urban planning, according to the principle of Holistic Urban Planning: "To form a city as a connected system of architecture, socially significant infrastructure and community, where all elements reinforce each other." It is about creating interconnected systems where residential complexes are combined with kindergartens, schools, medical and cultural institutions, public and business areas. The result is a "city within a city" - an environment where you can live, study, work and relax without wasting time.

Thus, Zezman Holding is building its own development model that combines technology, architecture, culture and social interaction. This allows the company to implement innovative projects that can change the perception of the modern city and its opportunities for people.

Олена Болган