Framework for a territorial capital
- Program
Living, work environment, cultural facilities - Client
CANactions 2010 - Team
Theo Hauben
Jeroen de Willigen (DeZwarteHond)
Matthias Rottmann (DeZwarteHond) - Collaboration
Wouter Rooijackers, Ivan Malinka, Anton Oliynyk, Katryna Babushkina, Vladimir Konovalov - Location
Kiev (Ukraine), City Center - Area
10000000 m2 - Date
2010-04-25 - Website
The successful cities and regions in Europe are grafted onto their history. The cities and regions that have further developed their core qualities are now internationally strong. Within each regional, social-economic structure lie realistic opportunities for regeneration and a link with future spatial developments is possible. Each region has its own specific territorial capital, distinct from other areas. Territorial capital is a wide-ranging concept: it not only covers location factors, climate and natural resources, but also customs, social contacts and “something in the air”. By closely connecting the city’s new economic, social and spatial developments with the territorial capital of the region, the qualities and potential of the areas can be utilised efficiently.
In order to become a distinctive city, Kiev should create a distinct profile for itself using the specific characteristics that it has in its territory. Kiev’s exceptional qualities form the basis for a territorial capital: the old centre (Podil), international events (Euro 2012, Cultural Capital 2024), international access (airport) and the presence of a capital landscape (the river landscape of the Dnjepr). Reappointing and revaluing the spatial qualities, and subsequently developing the city on the basis of the existing urban structure, will create a less arbitrary and more enduring structure for the city.
Based on the city’s topography we designate three new urban areas (Kiev Heights, Lower Kiev and Flat Kiev). These areas are separated by two green territories (Greenbelt and Dnjepr). The Lower Kiev urban area, situated between the city parks in the Greenbelt and the river landscape of the Dnjepr with its green recreational islands has, in our opinion, the greatest potential for a qualitative development. The qualities of Kiev’s territorial capital are already present or can be developed here successfully.
The northern part of Lower Kiev is formed by Podil, an old, lively urban district with a mix of buildings and functions. To a large extent, Podil is surrounded by outdated harbour industry. The southern part of Lower Kiev, Telichka, is mainly an abandoned industrial area. Relocating the remaining heavy industry will create space for new developments and will also improve the living environment in the city. The urban grid of Podil forms the point of departure for the further development of the whole of Lower Kiev. The old harbour area adjacent to Podil and the old industrial area of Telichka will be transformed in phases. Podil will then be entirely situated along the harbour and in Telichka there will be space for mixed residential and work environments supplemented with functions that have international appeal. In the run-up to Cultural Capital 2024 a large concert hall is quite conceivable.
New public space will be defined in between the harbour and industrial area that is crucial for the development of Lower Kiev. The existing motorway along the water, Naberezhen Shose, will be transformed into a boulevard. The car will become a major component of the public space but the quality of facilities for pedestrians has the highest priority. Upgrading the existing tramline will connect Podil and Telichka quickly and efficiently. The stringent application of infrastructure to the ground level precludes expensive technical solutions. This means that property developments along, on or under Naberezhen Shose are spatially and financially less logical. In addition, this low-key solution safeguards the green slope – the age-old view of Kiev.
