Uspensky Square is the new architectural landmark of the city of Dnipro in Ukraine. The completed redevelopment is a reminder of the site’s prominence as a central square with a history of more than 200 years. The architects created a modern public space, with greenery and urban furniture. The project was prepared by a team of architects led by Dmytro Volyk and Ksenia Donetska.
The reconstruction of the square had already begun in 2021, when Ukraine was not undergoing such intense warfare. In February 2022, the advancement of the reconstruction reached 80%. Due to the Russian attack, work was interrupted. Over the course of months, residents decided that the reconstruction was worth completing to show that the city did not want to continue in limbo. The reconstruction was completed at the end of 2023.
In the second half of the 20th century, the square lost its traditional function and architecture and the surrounding space stagnated. The square ceased to be part of public life and instead became a transit area with no meaning, through which people passed without stopping. The architects’ task was to revitalise the square as part of the urban pedestrian space to make it more pedestrian-friendly.
In an area of 1.45 hectares, 285 new trees were planted, walking alleys were built and rest facilities were constructed. Priority was given to pedestrians and cyclists. A two-way cycle lane was laid out along the square. Pedestrian crossings on the roadway elements were created at the same level as the pavement. The whole area was given spectacular night-time illumination.
Functional zones have been separated on the square. There is a play zone with playgrounds, an intimate relaxation zone with islands of ornamental trees, and a zone for holding urban events with a three-level terrace.
The architects have developed many original design elements, namely trellises on the trunks, public toilets decorated with steel scales. In the evening, the square takes on a different atmosphere thanks to the lighting. In the recreational areas, the lighting is below eye level for comfort. May residents soon be able to use their urban square without feeling unsafe.
design: DmytroVolyk, Ksenia Donetska
collaboration: Daria Koshcheeva, Igor Andrienko, Iryna Khvostikova
photos: photo by Andrey Avdeenko,
Read also: Ukraine | Places, Squares, Parks | Urban furniture | Metamorphosis | whiteMAD on Instagram
