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Australian wins competition to redesign Ukrainian symbol of freedom

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Sydney-based architect Jansen Che is one of three joint winners of The Norman Foster Foundation Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival Competition to redesign “one of Ukraine’s most important symbols”, according to competition organisers.

Jansen Che
Jansen Che, joint winner of The Norman Foster Foundation Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival Competition

The Norman Foster Foundation, in collaboration with Buildner, the Kharkiv City Council, UNECE and Arup, launched the international competition in September, seeking design solutions for the iconic Regional Administration Building in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, as well as for the public realm of the adjacent Freedom Square.

Kharkiv Freedom Square Revival Heritage Competition is part of an effort to develop the masterplan for the reconstruction of Kharkiv, intended as a blueprint for the reconstruction of other Ukrainian cities.

Che’s winning project

The competition attracted more than 80 entries, with Che the only Australian to be shortlisted.

His winning project, ‘Memory’, centres on a below-ground memorial. Its oculus design offers a symbolic connection between the memorial and the surrounding square, emphasising themes of reflection, transparency and accessibility. 

'Memory' by Jansen Che
Jansen Che’s proposed design centres on a below-ground memorial

His project also proposes the development of the underground part of the Regional State Administration Building as a public space and as a new group entrance and transit pedestrian corridor.

The jury weighs in

According to the jury, Che’s design “preserves the square’s openness, maintaining its monumental scale while incorporating modern elements that acknowledge the city’s recent challenges”.

Regional Administration Building proposed by Jansen Che
Rear perspective of the Regional Administration Building proposed by Jansen Che

The jury concluded that “no single entry addressed in a balanced and adequate manner the diverse needs of the key building and the public space”. Rather than choose one clear winner, they awarded first prize to Memory and two other projects “of equal standing”. The ideas behind these projects will contribute to a second-stage competition that aims to further refine the vision.

Che told Australian Design Review he was honoured to contribute to a significant project that played a “vital role” in the revival of Ukraine.

“This achievement is also particularly meaningful to me because Norman Foster chaired the jury. He has always been a hero of mine and someone that I have looked up to throughout my career,” he said.

Site plan by Jansen Che
Site plan by Jansen Che

Che said he planned to donate the prize money to various organisations that help Ukraine.

Lead image of Jansen Che’s vision for Freedom Square. All imagery supplied by Jansen Che.

Read about the winner of the Public Space category at IDEA 2024: Bates Smart.

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