The Russian invasion of Ukraine reminds us how crucial our public spaces are for democracy. Strong public spaces promote the resistance and resilience of local communities.
How can we continue to advocate for better public spaces based on the human need for prosperity, sociability and security, in the days when a new urbicide is taking place in the heart of Europe? Flowery streets and theatrical squares of Ukraine were once symbols of national identity and culture. These places have been suddenly deserted, transformed into spaces of violence. The Independence Square of Kiev – which used to be a place of social gathering and meeting – is now used to allow the passage of tanks. In the midst of this destructive fury, it seems very challenging to continue to promote sustainable cities and public spaces that are suitable to welcome and support our desires of a collective life.
With its buildings painted in red, green, yellow, blue, the emblematic Comfort Town District, designed by architecture studio Archimatika and completed only in 2019, illustrates a new vision of the future for the city of Kiev where new forms of public space organisation are possible. Away from car traffic, the public spaces and buildings of this neighbourhood have been metamorphosed in a surreal play of heights and pastel colours. The transformation of this former industrial area into a playful neighbourhood, model of experimentation, has given the world joyful images of children in the street, playgrounds and green spaces between houses, public spaces for sports. The pastel colours, that seem to come out of a storybook, give a glimpse of the desire for a positive and happy coexistence in Ukraine.
Read the full article on aftercovid.city
Author: Julia Clement
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