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Arsenalna Square renovation project

Проект реновації Арсенальної площі

Ukraine, Kyiv, Hrushevsky st.

Developer: A Development

Architects: I. Samoilenko, I. Yemelyantseva, D. Stolyarov, D. Popkov, D. Zavyalova

Masterplan: A. Chepiha

Project manager: K. Berest

Photo by O. Alekseev Video by David Goverman

History:

The exact date of the organization of the square is not recorded – historians date this event to the XVIII century. Most likely, the square was formed with the appearance of the Kyiv Fortress and St. Nicholas Gate (1850), which were the main entrance to the fortress from the side of the Mariinsky Palace. Over time, Arsenal lost its integrity. Initially, the access of ordinary citizens to the monument of architecture and urban planning was closed by a fence. After the opening of the metro station in 1960 (one of the first in Ukraine and deepest in Europe – 105.5 m) center of the square narrowed to the pedestrian zone between road and ground lobby of the metro station. This one-story square pavilion, which ends in a hemispherical dome. Area became an important transport hub of Kyiv.​​​​​​​

Concept:

Renovation concept aimed to change the functional significance of the area: to transform it from a transit transport hub into a modern public space and to integrate the building of the former military barracks into the city space, which is being restored and changed. We studied the urban aspects of the historical and cultural area of the center of Kyiv and decided to return the dominant value of the historic building of the Commandant’s Office. During designing, the shape of the building organized the area in front of it. In our concept, urban accents changed and the potential of Arsenal Square as a public space was revealed. The outlines of the historic building of the Commandant’s Office are repeated in the lines of colored paving, creating an integral space of the entire area, including the part behind the ground pavilion of the metro.​​​​​​​

The landscaping project has several features. The organization of flower beds aims to update and supplement the greenery and increase the area of grass cover in the area. In addition to the lawn, dozens of oaks, birches, plane trees and shrubs are planted in the flower beds.

The renewed street lighting of the square creates a cozy atmosphere. In addition to the artistic lighting integrated into the paving, flower beds, trees, a monument, the commandant’s office building and the ground pavilion of the metro are illuminated.

Achievements:

Thanks to this decision, we have achieved several positive changes:

– opeed access to the entire historic building of the Commandant’s Office and St. Nicholas Gate;

– merged Arsenal Square into a single public space;

– created a multifunctional space in the historic center of Kyiv.

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One of the main tasks in the development of the renovation project was the organization of barrier-free space of the square, as well as the organization of access to the building of the former military commandant’s office of all categories of citizens. We are leveled the existing significant difference in height with gentle ramps that stretched almost the entire length of the historic building. Thanks to this solution, as well as the color design of the floor, the area is perceived as a whole and devoid of steps.

The second stage of the renovation of Arsenal Square was construction of the so-called dry fountain behind the subway pavilion. According to the concept, it can be one of the main wow-effects of the updated space, as it have variable operating scenarios. Thus, the area significantly expand and become a public and social center in the historic part of Kyiv.