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The Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival Competition marks a pivotal moment in the city’s journey toward recovery and reimagining. Organized by the Kharkiv City Council in partnership with the Norman Foster Foundation, UNECE, and Arup, the competition invited architects, designers, and urban planners worldwide to present innovative concepts for Freedom Square and the war-damaged Regional State Administration Building. It sought designs that honor Kharkiv’s history while embracing its aspirations for resilience and inclusivity.
Three projects were equally recognized for their exceptional approaches to reimagining this iconic space:
Jansen Che (Australia): A below-ground memorial design, integrating the square’s openness with symbolic elements of reflection, transparency, and accessibility.
Nischal Ba (India): A seasonal landscape framework featuring biodiverse green zones, shaded pathways, and multifunctional spaces for year-round engagement.
Daniel Mintz (Israel): An innovative proposal balancing historical preservation with modern design to redefine Freedom Square.
A Student Award was also presented, along with recognition for shortlisted projects, highlighting the creative diversity and depth of ideas submitted.
This competition is the first step in shaping Freedom Square’s future. Plans for a second phase will refine and expand on these ideas, continuing the mission to transform Freedom Square into a beacon of resilience, democracy, and hope. For more details on the winners, Student Award, and shortlisted projects, please visit our website.
Winners
Student Award
