Reconstruction of Uspenska Square in Dnipro: A Contemporary Urban Renewal by Dmytro Volyk and Ksenia Donetska

Uspenska Square in Dnipro, one of the city's oldest and most historically significant public spaces, has undergone a transformative reconstruction led by the architectural team of Dmytro Volyk and Ksenia Donetska. Originally designed in the early 19th century, the square once served as a civic heart: anchored by the Assumption Cathedral and its public garden: where cultural, social, and spiritual life intersected. Over time, particularly during the Soviet era, the cathedral lost both its architectural identity and ceremonial purpose, leaving the surrounding square neglected, underutilized, and reduced to a transit zone disconnected from public life.

The architects approached the project as a fundamental urban renewal effort, aiming to reestablish Uspenska Square as a vibrant, inclusive, and accessible public space at the center of Dnipro’s historic district. The reconstruction reimagines the square as a pedestrian-first environment emphasizing connectivity, community engagement, ecological value, and contemporary urban comfort. Covering an area of 14,500 square meters, the new design revives the square’s urban significance through restored pathways, expanded greenery, multimodal mobility, and multifaceted recreational zones that cater to diverse age groups and social needs.

One of the central goals was reintroducing meaningful pedestrian connections, creating a logical and fluid movement system inspired by the site’s historical layout. Distinct paving materials highlight various routes, and nighttime illumination emphasizes circulation patterns with a subtle glow that guides users gently through the space. Accessibility played an essential role throughout the reconstruction. Crossings were raised to the level of sidewalks, tactile surfaces were integrated for visually impaired users, and a dedicated two-way bicycle lane was introduced to promote safe, sustainable mobility.

With a strong commitment to ecological restoration, the project includes the planting of 285 new trees, carefully selected for their seasonal interest, environmental performance, and visual harmony. Species such as ginkgo biloba, magnolia, sakura, Pissardi plum, Scandinavian mountain ash, red oak, ambergris, and multi-stemmed hornbeam create a biodiverse and climate-responsive landscape. Their staggered blooming cycles bring an evolving palette of colors throughout the year, while abundant summer shade contributes to a comfortable microclimate.

The design divides the square into several functional zones. A lively play area features a three-dimensional rope structure and climbing walls, encouraging active recreation and family interaction. In contrast, a quieter zone filled with ornamental trees and winding paths offers a secluded retreat for rest and contemplation. The central feature of the square is a 72-meter-long cascading terrace, which forms the core event and festival space. This three-level structure accommodates public gatherings, performances, and community celebrations, and integrates a fountain that becomes a lively social anchor.

To enrich the architectural identity of the square, the team developed custom-designed urban furnishings and elements, including parametric fencing, sculptural trunk grilles, and public restrooms clad in shimmering steel scales. Evening lighting, designed by Expolight, transforms the square entirely. Specialized lenses in the luminaires cast elegant caustic patterns and intricate shadows from the tree canopies, creating a poetic nighttime atmosphere that enhances comfort while preserving a sense of intimacy.

All photographs are works of Andrey Avdeenko, Yevhen Savchenko and Oleg Melnikov