The city of Kharkiv stands as Ukraine's second-largest city and has been considerably affected by the ongoing conflict due to its proximity to the border with Russia. During the first conversation between the Kharkiv Mayor and Norman Foster in the United Nations’ Second Forum of Mayors, the Mayor underscored the importance of creating a new landmark for the city. This ideas competition seeks to inspire local and international experts to propose design solutions for an iconic building in Kharkiv—the Regional Administration Building—as well as for the public realm of the adjacent Freedom Square. The proposals should offer a holistic intervention that envisions a prosperous future while enhancing the historical significance and identity of Kharkiv. This competition is part of the larger Kharkiv concept Masterplan project: a local and international initiative of the Kharkiv City Council, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) within the framework of the UN4UkrainianCities initiative, the Norman Foster Foundation and Arup among others.

Freedom Square, the second-largest city square in Europe, has long served as a central venue for public gatherings and cultural events in Kharkiv. This extensive space is notable for its vastness and ability to accommodate large public assembles, following the principles of Soviet urban planning. However, despite its historical importance, the square’s current design and scale have resulted in a lack of human-centric interaction, rendering it underutilised in the daily life of the city. The challenge now lies in transforming this grand yet impersonal space into a vibrant hub of activity that truly resonates with the people of Kharkiv.

Adjacent to Freedom Square is the Regional Administration Building. The current appearance of it was constructed during Soviet time as a landmark following this era’s architecture. It stands as a testament to Kharkiv’s storied past. Once a symbol of Soviet authority, this building now represents an opportunity for transformation and renewal, serving as a physical embodiment of the city’s potential future. Its structure, with its historical facade, invites a reimagining that preserves its past while embracing the new opportunities of modern Ukrainian society.

The Norman Foster Foundation Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival competition, organized by Buildner, NFF, Kharkiv City Council, UNECE and Arup presents a unique opportunity for architects, urban planners, and designers worldwide to contribute to Kharkiv’s rebirth. With a generous €10,000 prize sponsored by Buildner, this competition calls for visionary proposals that honor Kharkiv's rich heritage while aligning with its aspirations for a prosperous and progressive future.

The rewards extend beyond the monetary prize. The winning teams will have the potential to develop their design proposals in cooperation with the City Council and local professionals and stakeholders for the further implementation of the proposed concept design.

This opportunity would allow the selected teams to work closely with the community, ensuring that the final designs are deeply rooted in local needs and aspirations and bringing their visionary concepts to life as part of Kharkiv’s future urban landscape.

The competition is open to everyone, and all communication, including presentations, must be conducted in English.

For more detailed information, please download the full competition brief.