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Izolyatsia project Donetsk, Ukraine Renewal

Izolyatsia project Donetsk Ukraine: Arts Centre + Park Renewal by FoRM associates + AID Architect

25 Nov 2010

Izolyatsia project Donetsk, Ukraine

Design: FoRM associates and AID Architects

Izolyatsia – Culture And Environmentally Focused Regeneration Project In Donetsk

FoRM associates and AID Architects were appointed to deliver an architectural and landscape transformation of a former industrial site in Donetsk, an important industrial centre for coal and steel in Ukraine. The first phase will deliver an experimental Arts centre located in the unique context of a new circular park incorporating a 45m high slag heap.

The main aim of this ambitious project funded and organized by an independent foundation is to create a hub of cultural excellence as well as deliver a social, economic and ecological transformation of a post industrial landscape. The IZOLYATSIA project aims to foster a dynamic environment emphasising the creative process, investigation and cultural production. As a place encouraging creative risk IZOLYATSIA in its unique setting will actively encourage an open environment of interaction and dialogue within the context of cultural experimentation and enterprise.

The phased transformation of the IZOLYATSIA industrial complex located close to the centre of Donetsk will reclaim much of the grey and abandoned site and make it ‘green’, both literally in an environmental sense and metaphorically as place of new growth and positive change. In its first phase the project will focus on a single building and the adjoining slag heap – the Terrikon, which will be adopted to function both as a regular platform for large scale artistic transformational projects as well as a heart of a new green public realm echoing the experience of such landscape projects such as the Highline in NY or Northala Fields in London.

The Terrikon slag heaps whilst entirely man-made have become a defining feature of the city landscape. Whilst being a prominent feature in the midst of people’s lives they are yet to find a corresponding public realm function. The new landscape setting will create a sense of definition, boundary and neighbourhood connection. The new biodiverse landscape will be people centred in its design in contrast to the current defining landscape of Donetsk, which was based on Soviet style mass greening. The new design will create a variety of natural enclosures and open spaces where art and nature can coexist or interact, The resulting revitalised community space will form the basis for the future transformation of other buildings on site.

FoRM associates is a London-based design practice that looks holistically at the ‘livability’ of 21st century cities, creating places that are better to live in, work in and enjoy. FoRM associates are urbanists in the widest sense, working collaboratively to fuse urban design and landscape architecture with ecology, environmental design, masterplanning, architecture, branding, lighting, arts, media and engineering. FoRM’s hallmark lies in its ability to design functional and people orientated public realms that are inspiring both in their design and in reality. www.formassociates.eu

Izolyatsia project Donetsk Ukraine Renewa images / information from FoRM Associates

Location: Donetsk, Ukraine