Kiev Vision 2025
3 STEP DEVELOPMENT
We are proposing a strategy of a long term (3 STEP) DEVELOPMENT using the opportunity afforded by the EURO 2012 to consolidate public space and extend city function on the nominated site. This project will represent the progress of KYIV for the present and future generations.
STEP 1 – 2012 PUBLIC POINTS
By EURO 2012, rather than developing the entire site, we propose to create public points by locating them carefully in the existing urban context.
One of them would be a round pedestrian bridge in the European Square. It would be a non-automotive transportation hub (pedestrian, bicycle, etc) on the square which is now dominated by cars. It would not be a single-function bridge only designed for traffic, but also a public space with islands of steps which are isolated from the traffic flow, public toilets and kiosks. Moreover, the bridge encircles the large rounded screen on which football matches, tourist information, or advertisements can be shown.
Another public point would be the functional public space in the middle of Sylvan park, a place which is visited by many tourists. The proposal is to make indentured area which can be used in many public ways. Since the space is isolated acoustically and visually from the park by being indented in the earth, people can enjoy the nature and the city simultaneously.
Another proposal is a sub-level area at the Arsenal metro station housing amenities such as toilets, cafes, shops and greenery. This space will be connected with the metro station, while remaining open to sunlight and fresh air.
STEP 2 – 2018 PUBLIC PASSAGE
In the next phase of development, the public points would be connected by a linear weaving underground passage, without damaging the green park on the ground level. It would be built as a regular metro tunnel. Since it would follow the natural site landscape, it would appear as a bridge over a valley at some points and stay as an underground passage at other parts of the site. It would work as a light transportation line for pedestrians and bicycles. It would have two walking tracks; a fast one with horizontal escalators for fast transportation and a slower one, through the public space filled with markets, cafes, retail shops, etc. This passage would also house infrastructures for water, gas, internet and electricity. Since the ground temperature stays almost constant annually it works as a climatic shelter for rainy days and winter. In order to make the space comfortable, the passage is connected with the ground-level park by exits, skylights, ventilation, and view windows.
STEP 3 – 2025 PLUG IN FUNCTIONS
In the last phase of development, new city functions such as hotels, housing, city hall, theaters, museums, libraries and offices would be connected to the infrastructures and public spaces of the passage. The buildings extend horizontally to the Dnieper river to preserve the beautiful skyline of the city. From the outside it appears rising from the Sylvan hills and from the inside it provides a panaramic view of the cityscape and countryside.
Site plan
Euro 2012 Circle Landmark Bridge
Is it possible for European Square to be a centerpoint of traffic and at the same time an urban leisure zone?
We propose to build a rounded bridge as a 1 STEP of long term development.
Right now the European Square is an important traffic node of Kyiv, connecting main parts of the city, which makes the square an unattractive car-dominated space. Its public spaces are divided by traffic into public islands with a poor quality underground connection.
We are proposing a rounded bridge – a symbol of conquest and the coming together of previously separated public zones. Moreover, the circle is a symbol of perfection and unity. The superposition of these two characters – the circle as a bridge – creates a new special object with additional layers of meaning. The bridge, beside its transportation function: accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists, is a public space by itself. Its shape is an effect of the connection of pedestrian and bicycle tracks and islands of stairs, where people can sit, relax and watch the large, rounded screen, which will be located in the center of the roundabout.
Installing the screen for EURO 2012 will offer an attractive space for watching football games. It can also be used in the future for showing tourist information or generating profit for the city by showing commercials. All elements of the bridge are multifunctional; the stairs are combined with the lightning system and the construction of the bridge is supported by pillars which contain public functions as kiosk, toilets and tourist information point. In our vision of Kyiv 2025 bridge on the European Square will become a connection hub between the old city and a new passage which will activate functionality of Sylvan hills.
