The Makariv Village Council has entered into a memorandum of cooperation with the group of road construction companies, RDS. The objective of this memorandum is to create an inclusive, modern, and safe public space in Horodyshche and along the riverbank in Panskyi Park, in line with the vision and needs of the local community.
Launching social urbanistic project
In March 2023, the RDS group of road construction companies first recognized the need for contemporary public spaces to provide dignified leisure opportunities for residents. They sought advice from several urban planners at that time. Over the course of a few months, this initial interaction has evolved into a social urban project in collaboration with local authorities, funded by RDS.
The primary aim of the process is to rejuvenate communities and contribute to their democratization.
The project is named Nashe Place and is focused on the revitalization of neglected or damaged public spaces in small towns affected by the russian-Ukrainian war. The company decided to focus on smaller towns and villages, which often receive less attention and funding compared to regional centers and the capital. The main goal of this initiative is to reinvigorate community life and promote democratization.
"It all began with a clear understanding that despite all the difficulties, we should continue working and helping our country, its military, and its economy - meaning society. We turned our attention to small settlements that suffered from the full-scale invasion. We initially sought advice from several urban planners. In a matter of months, these meaningful conversations transformed into the Nashe Place social urban project in collaboration with local authorities. The memorandum of cooperation with the Makariv Village Council and RDS aims to create an inclusive, modern, and safe public space. The most important emphasis here is that everything is done in accordance with the vision, wishes, and needs of the local community," emphasized Eugene Konovalov, co-founder of the RDS group of road construction companies.
"With 18 years of experience in road construction, we clearly understand that building means looking confidently into the future. The war has changed our perceptions, made adjustments to our work processes, but the principles of RDS's activities remain constant, where people are the most valuable asset. Therefore, with the aim of assisting in the reconstruction of our country, the RDS group of road construction companies initiated a project by assembling a team of experienced architects, urban planners, designers, and more. We aim to revive life in towns, small cities, and villages that suffered from russia's full-scale invasion," stated Yuri Shumacher, co-founder of the RDS group of road construction companies.
Revitilizing Horodyshche & Riverfront
Nashe Place begins with the Makariv community, which was severely affected by the russian-Ukrainian war in February-March 2022. According to government estimates, approximately half of the community's buildings were destroyed or damaged, including private and multi-apartment houses, infrastructure facilities, cultural and educational institutions, and more. Although efforts are currently underway to restore residential buildings in Makariv, the community still lacks public places for quality living and recreation.
The community still lacks public places for quality living and recreation.
The location was chosen according to the Concept for the Restoration of the Makariv Community: over 40% of respondents support the beautification of Panskyi Park. Although it is underutilized at present, the park holds significant cultural and social potential. The Nashe Place team, in collaboration with the Makariv authorities, has decided to focus its efforts on two sections of the park: reviving life in the historical Horodyshche (also known as "Pyatachok") with "soft solutions" and improving the riverfront in Panskyi Park in Makariv. The revitalized location aims to provide convenient and diverse leisure opportunities for various age and social groups, revitalize cultural life in Horodyshche, and seamlessly connect these two areas.
"Nothing for the community without the community!"
To ensure community involvement and obtain accurate input, the Nashe Place project team will conduct a presentation, cleanup, and facilitation workshop with the participation of architects and experts on July 22 and 25. These sessions will enable residents to share their aspirations and issues. Based on the community's input, architects will create the design for the future location. Construction will commence after gaining community approval.
“Nashe Place is the first step in realizing an ambitious and urban-oriented project supported by RDS in our village, as public spaces contribute to the formation of horizontal relationships, provide opportunities for dignified leisure, promote small business development, enhance environmental safety, and improve people's psychoemotional well-being," commented Vadim Tokar, the Makariv Village Head.
Public spaces contribute to the formation of horizontal relationships, provide opportunities for dignified leisure, promote small business development.
