The jury noted that the project is original and presents an unconventional spatial and planning solution for the park. It demonstrates respect for the previous generations of artists who worked in the park, combined with contemporary approaches.
The project expresses a thoughtful vision that balances the memorial character of the park with the quiet recreation of residents and visitors to the city. The authors of the project found a respectful way to reflect the history of Bila Tserkva and Ukraine.
The jury recommends this project for implementation.
MAIN IDEA
The reinterpretation of Soviet heritage and the formation of a new national identity constitute the central objective of the reconstruction project for the Park of Glory and Freedom in Bila Tserkva. Instead of a monopolistic composition centred on the obelisk, the proposal envisions a space that integrates memory and freedom, history and contemporaneity, while also responding to the principles of sustainable development and a human- and nature-centred urban environment.
The new structure of the Park of Glory and Freedom moves away from authoritarian symbolism, offering the site a polyphonic, inclusive and humanistic character. In this vision, genius loci — the spirit of Bila Tserkva as a stronghold of the Ukrainian struggle across different historical periods — is intertwined with the zeitgeist — the contemporary spirit of freedom and resilience.
CONTEXTUAL SENSITIVITY
The project preserves all existing park entrances and their connections with the urban fabric, emphasising the importance of the green framework for the surrounding residential quarters. The conservation and enhancement of greenery is a key principle — most trees are integrated into the park’s new structure, while any losses are compensated with native species.
The main “Avenue of History” wraps around the central obelisk, forming a figure-eight trajectory that allows visitors to perceive history not as a straight line, but as a multi-layered network of events and connections. The figure-eight path enables visitors to join the route at any point and create their own journey, making the walk more personal while immersing them in the richness of shared history.
The route culminates at an elevated viewing platform overlooking the city centre. This point becomes a natural final pause for reflection, simultaneously connecting the historical past with the present and creating a symbolic vision of the future.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The project is focused on preserving the natural environment:
These principles transform the park into a space where the past, present, and future converge within a sustainable vision for urban life.
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