The "Living Memorial" project located in Kharkiv, Ukraine, reflects a thoughtful architectural response to its historical context. The design serves as a memorial space while facilitating community interaction and engagement. It encapsulates the complexities associated with remembrance following conflict, allowing for both reflection and celebration of resilience. The architectural approach prioritizes multifunctionality, integrating various communal uses that invite public participation.

Unique Use of Materials
The project employs remade concrete, crafted from repurposed debris, highlighting an environmentally conscious approach to architecture. This material not only pays homage to the site's past but also asserts the potential for regeneration and renewal. The use of reflective balloon structures as canopies in gathering areas introduces an element of lightness and transparency, enhancing the overall spatial experience. Additionally, traditional materials such as glass and steel are strategically applied to promote an atmosphere of openness and connectivity within the memorial.

Spatial Organization and Design Elements
The architectural design features a central plaza that accommodates modular units designed for flexible use—serving as seating, planters, or water features. This flexibility encourages social interaction among visitors. The layout incorporates a variety of staircases, facilitating accessibility while also inviting exploration and movement throughout the space. Textural diversity is evident, as smooth surfaces juxtapose the roughness of remade concrete, creating a tactile landscape that engages the senses and fosters connection to the site.

The incorporation of both elevated and ground-level spaces forms a dynamic relationship with the surrounding environment. This interaction allows for different perspectives of the memorial, encouraging contemplation from various vantage points.

Community-Centric Approach
The "Living Memorial" transcends conventional memorial designs by prioritizing community engagement as a core element of its function. In addition to serving as a site for memory, it features cafes, exhibition spaces, and outdoor offices, effectively transforming the space into a vibrant hub for daily activities. This multifaceted approach not only honors the past but also integrates contemporary life into the memorial's framework, making it a relevant space for current and future generations.

For those interested in understanding the full scope of this architectural endeavor, reviewing the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind the "Living Memorial" will provide deeper insights into its function and design philosophy. Explore the project presentation for additional details.