Uplifting Urban Space Brings New Life to a Once Neglected Area
Uspenska Square in Dnipro, Ukraine, has undergone a transformation led by local architects Dmytro Volyk and Ksenia Donetska. The renovation aims to restore the square’s historical significance and breathe new life into what was once a neglected passageway. The square, which had become a “transit area with no meaning,” has now been re-envisioned as a dynamic public space that connects the city to its riverfront.
The square’s revitalization comes at a crucial time, as the project was delayed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite these challenges, the square reopened to the public in late 2023, offering a beacon of hope amid the country’s turmoil.
Design Influenced by the River: A Space for Community and Culture
Originally established in the 19th century, Uspenska Square was once a central part of city life, positioned between the Assumption Cathedral and the Dnipro river. Over time, however, its significance waned, particularly after the original cathedral was destroyed by fire and its replacement closed during the Soviet era. As a result, the square became an underutilized thoroughfare rather than a vibrant public space.
“Our task as architects was to restore the historical significance of the square as part of the city’s pedestrian framework, to make it more humanistic and architecturally high-quality,” said Donetska. “The renovated Uspenska Square has become another impetus for the city life of Dnipro, showing that despite the war, people want to live at home, in Ukraine.”
Volyk and Donetska divided the square into distinct zones using two wide diagonal paths, creating an X-shaped design that segments the area for various uses. These segments cater to different needs, with a play area featuring a concrete hill and metal tunnels, a peaceful space with ornamental trees, and a “festival zone” with a three-tier seating arrangement ideal for large public events. The architects also incorporated polygonal planters surrounded by wooden seating to further enhance the space’s functionality.
Holistic Design Inspired by the River and Nature
The architects paid special attention to the relationship between the square and the nearby Dnipro river, ensuring that many design elements reflect this connection. The wavy forms of the benches, the scale-like cladding of the public toilets, and the color-changing lighting strips embedded in the pavement all draw inspiration from the river’s flow.
“After the reconstruction, the square is no longer a transit area between attractive locations in the city, but an independent, full-fledged space where people deliberately come to spend time,” explained Donetska. The proximity of the river is also evident in the wooden benches, sharp-edged architectural forms resembling boats, and the use of white pebbles, which evoke the effect of water waves in the square’s lighting.
In addition to these larger design features, Volyk and Donetska also worked on smaller elements of the space, including the tree trunk grates and a faceted wooden fence bordering a neighboring school to the south. Their attention to detail has created a “holistic image” for the entire square, making it a cohesive and inviting space for all visitors.