Architecture project // Floating Garden and Interactive Facade with Sustainable Wood Integration in a Community Hub

Floating Garden and Interactive Facade with Sustainable Wood Integration in a Community Hub

Authors:

Leonardo Zuccaro Marchi, Alina Lippiello

An interactive facade of local art and a floating garden create a vibrant public hub in Kharkiv, emphasizing sustainability through the use of timber and engaging communal spaces.

5 key facts about this project

Interactive facade showcases local art and cultural narratives.

Floating Garden of Peace enhances biodiversity and educational opportunities.

Freedom Cores promote community engagement through distinct gathering spaces.

Flexible indoor areas adapt to varying community needs and events.

Sustainable materials, including charred shingles, support environmental resilience.

General keywords

kharkiv ukraine public space community cultural center recreation sustainable gardens interactivity landmark

Project specific keywords

freedom cores floating garden interactive facade public art green terraces native flora flexible spaces water-efficient pedestrian pathways communal hubs

# Project Overview: The New Heart of Freedom, Kharkiv

Located in the urban landscape of Kharkiv, Ukraine, "The New Heart of Freedom" aims to redefine public space through innovative planning that promotes openness, connectivity, and community engagement. This design seeks to create environments that reflect the region's historical resilience while fostering social interaction and inclusivity. By reimagining various public areas as integral to the city's narrative, the project envisions a landscape that emphasizes community-focused amenities and recreational features, reinforcing the social fabric of Kharkiv.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Engagement

The design introduces multiple community hubs, termed Freedom Cores, each functioning as a focal point for interaction among residents. These spaces incorporate a floating fountain, playgrounds, and gardens, enhancing the social experience while ensuring accessibility. The Floating Garden of Peace serves as a symbolic representation of environmental diversity and awareness, embodying regional landscapes and fostering educational opportunities. Additionally, the integration of public art, with dynamic facades on the Freedom Building displaying local cultural expressions, transforms the structure into a living canvas that resonates with the community's identity.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

A key aspect of the design is the intentional choice of materials that balance sustainability with functionality. Concrete provides structural strength, while glass in the Freedom Building's facade maximizes natural light, promoting energy efficiency. Steel reinforces structural integrity, and wood introduces warmth and organic textures throughout public furniture and landscapes. Native plantings and bioswales are incorporated to enhance biodiversity and support local ecosystems, aligning with the project's commitment to environmental stewardship. The integration of green spaces, water-efficient systems, and resilient design elements reflects a proactive approach to addressing current and future environmental challenges.