Reinterpreting the space, IIIrd place (2024)

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Competition proposal for the Architectural competition of conceptual ideas for revitalization the historical space of the Potocki Palace complex in Ivano-Frankivsk with the creation of an interactive cultural space.

Architects: Andrii Nazarenko and Khrystia Kosmii

Location: Ivano-Frankivsk

Year: 2024

Urban context
The main problem of the palace complex is its isolation from the public spaces of the city, despite the existing potential pedestrian connections. The key to the integration of the palace complex into the city lies in the revitalization of Trynitarska Square and the creation of new connections both within the urban context and within the context of the complex itself.

Trynitarska Square is the same age as the palace. It was traditionally used and is currently used as a market square. The project proposes to leave the square its market function, but to completely revitalize and rethink it. Trynitarska Square could function as a year-round fair space, with thematic fairs changing one after the other. Christmas, Easter, cheese and wine festival, back to school fair, the autumn fair, etc. Currently, these fairs do not have a permanent and equipped place, so they use other, oversaturated urban spaces and are equipped only with generators and bio-toilets. Trynitarska Square could provide stationary trade pavilions, a restored old market building, a square for a Christmas tree, public transport stops.

The project proposes to turn Bazarna Street into a pedestrian street and create a new pedestrian street that would divide Trynitarska Square into two parts. New green areas will also be created along the new pedestrian streets.
Thus, not only the palace complex, but also the square on Valy will join the public spaces of the city. Together, they will work as a single system, reinforcing each other.

Architectural and planning solutions

The main value of the palace complex is the existing buildings of the XVII-XX centuries. In order to facilitate the exhibition of the restored buildings, it is proposed to reduce the amount of trees, in particular along the main facades of buildings A, B, D and Z, forming a square of 38×52 m. A regular parterre garden near the main entrance and gate is a bow to the primary design of the palace building. Taking into account all the changes that the territory of the complex has undergone during its development, a new planning structure is proposed, dictated by the buildings themselves. At the same time, the possibility of tracing both lost and unbuilt buildings and paths is not ruled out.

The main avenues of the complex are laid along the main connections. They form gardens and squares of the rectangular shape. The proposed paving material for the main avenues is cobblestone.

The main square, as well as squares near buildings B, G and Z, are proposed to be made of gravel, due to the traditionality, simplicity, reliability, drainage properties and wear resistance of gravel.

A number of squares, such as the outdoor cafe of building D, the theater space and the space for intercultural dialogue, are proposed to be equipped with wooden terraces.

The largest amount of trees is proposed to be kept in the parterres near the main gate. This is the southern side of the site, so the shade from the trees will protect the main square during the day. In addition, it will create a baroque theatrical effect of the gradual unfolding of the site, when the visitor, who entered through the main gate, enters an increasingly open and bright space with each step.

Spatial solutions

The main requirements for filling the space are non-conflict with the buildings of the complex, simplicity, variability, modularity, ease of assembly and disassembly, durability. Based on these requirements, the following small architectural forms and furniture are offered:

— modular tent structures measuring 4×4×3 m, which can be combined in different ways and provide coverage for spectator rows, tables, benches, etc.;

— modular benches measuring 40×80×40 cm, which can be combined into linear benches and serve different spaces of the complex. The design of the bench allows you to freely move them from place to place and form different scenarios of use;

— serial furniture, in particular tables and chairs, which can be stacked and provide free use as spectator rows, chairs of lecture halls, cafes and other spaces of the complex.