Sarzhyn Yar
Basic information
Project Title
Sarzhyn Yar
Full project title
Water-landscape park Sarzhyn Yar
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
In the middle of a 1.5-million city of Kharkiv there was an uncared for but powerful spring of drinkable freshwater. Although people living close to the spring used it, most of the water flowed into the city storm drain system. The untidy look of the area scared many people away.
Our bureau developed and implemented a project of turning the ravine into a system of artificial lakes and a place for interacting with nature. We helped the Kharkiv dwellers to access water in its natural environment.
Our bureau developed and implemented a project of turning the ravine into a system of artificial lakes and a place for interacting with nature. We helped the Kharkiv dwellers to access water in its natural environment.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Kharkiv, Ukraine, Ukraine
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
Kharkiv has 4 rivers, but during the period of Soviet industrialization, factories and plants were built along the river banks, which were covered in concrete and fenced off. This is how access to water in its natural environment was restricted to ordinary citizens.
We made 6 little regulated obstacles for water, dug out shallow lakes with a 30-cm layer of clay on top and used the previously wasted water from the natural spring to fill these lakes up. The clay was taken from a construction site nearby.
Local people from nearby houses helped us strengthen the lake sides and banks with willow sprouts, which started growing roots later. We left the trees growing in the area intact, creating islands in the middle of our lakes to keep them growing undisturbed. Springwater has a constant temperature of +140 C, so in summer the temperature of the ravine with the lakes is 40 C lower than in the rest of the city. This is important, since the outside temperature can reach up to 400 C. In summer our lakes have a cooling effect, but in winter they make the air warmer (as local lows may reach 350 C below zero), thus providing shelter for multiple ducks and other birds.
After the reconstruction, Sarzhyn Yar instantly became a favorite place of the Kharkiv people. Move out of the city became unnecessary – coming down to the ravine and settling down in a chair, on a bench or simply on the grass was enough. Now Sarzhyn Yar is a place for events, entertainment and quiet relaxation.
The community united around this place. It was clearly visible when the city authorities decided to build an office center on a part of the ravine. Within a few days the community gathered, staged protests and collected signatures addressing the president and the mayor. This pressure forced the mayor to publicly abandon such plans. People from all over the city, including faraway residential districts took part in the protest. The also consider Sarzhyn Yar dear to their heart and come to rest here.
We made 6 little regulated obstacles for water, dug out shallow lakes with a 30-cm layer of clay on top and used the previously wasted water from the natural spring to fill these lakes up. The clay was taken from a construction site nearby.
Local people from nearby houses helped us strengthen the lake sides and banks with willow sprouts, which started growing roots later. We left the trees growing in the area intact, creating islands in the middle of our lakes to keep them growing undisturbed. Springwater has a constant temperature of +140 C, so in summer the temperature of the ravine with the lakes is 40 C lower than in the rest of the city. This is important, since the outside temperature can reach up to 400 C. In summer our lakes have a cooling effect, but in winter they make the air warmer (as local lows may reach 350 C below zero), thus providing shelter for multiple ducks and other birds.
After the reconstruction, Sarzhyn Yar instantly became a favorite place of the Kharkiv people. Move out of the city became unnecessary – coming down to the ravine and settling down in a chair, on a bench or simply on the grass was enough. Now Sarzhyn Yar is a place for events, entertainment and quiet relaxation.
The community united around this place. It was clearly visible when the city authorities decided to build an office center on a part of the ravine. Within a few days the community gathered, staged protests and collected signatures addressing the president and the mayor. This pressure forced the mayor to publicly abandon such plans. People from all over the city, including faraway residential districts took part in the protest. The also consider Sarzhyn Yar dear to their heart and come to rest here.
Key objectives for sustainability
With this project, we aimed to save the dilapidated areas in our city center, return them to the residents, improve the quality of life in an industrial city, and use natural resources more responsibly. We worked with a natural spring, whose unused water used to be directed to the storm drain system. The ravine, created by the now-disappeared Sarzhynka river, is located in the center of a 1.5-million city. Local residents took care when they went down to get drinking water and did not explore with the rest of the 17 hectares of green hedges and trees.
Our bureau suggested using the water from the spring with the help of creating obstacles and shallow reservoirs with clay bottom and banks, reinforced with willow branches. This is an ancient technology used by our ancestors. Many Ukrainians living in the countryside had artificial ponds with a clay bottom and willow-reinforced banks.
The project was supported by the community and the city council. People do not need to leave the city in order to interact with nature. They communicate with each other and rest among our picturesque lakes.
In addition, a climatic oasis was formed there. Due to the global warming, summer temperatures in the city reach 40 C, but Sarzhyn Yar has a 4 C lower temperature, because spring water has a constant temperature of 14 C. The reverse can be observed in winter, when the temperature may be as low as -35 C. The ravine temperature is much warmer, which is appreciated not only by the people, but for many kinds of the animal world as well.
Due to the fact that the trees growing on site were not moved, local bio systems were left intact, and the ancient technology was used in creating the lakes, Sarzhyn Yar does not require much effort to sustain it and is a stable system in itself.
Our bureau suggested using the water from the spring with the help of creating obstacles and shallow reservoirs with clay bottom and banks, reinforced with willow branches. This is an ancient technology used by our ancestors. Many Ukrainians living in the countryside had artificial ponds with a clay bottom and willow-reinforced banks.
The project was supported by the community and the city council. People do not need to leave the city in order to interact with nature. They communicate with each other and rest among our picturesque lakes.
In addition, a climatic oasis was formed there. Due to the global warming, summer temperatures in the city reach 40 C, but Sarzhyn Yar has a 4 C lower temperature, because spring water has a constant temperature of 14 C. The reverse can be observed in winter, when the temperature may be as low as -35 C. The ravine temperature is much warmer, which is appreciated not only by the people, but for many kinds of the animal world as well.
Due to the fact that the trees growing on site were not moved, local bio systems were left intact, and the ancient technology was used in creating the lakes, Sarzhyn Yar does not require much effort to sustain it and is a stable system in itself.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
We tried to make the work of architect as non-invasive as possible in this project. We did everything with care, valuing every natural thing we encountered. If there was a fallen tree, we let it lie there. We let the living trees stay where they were, planning our lakes around them and creating picturesque islands. With the exception of strengthening the lake banks with willow branches, we have not changed any other part of the local ecosystem. The paths were made of small natural stone to allow water to seep through. We realized that people felt more comfortable in separate chairs and introduced this option in most places throughout the park, rather than installing long benches. The only decorative element added was some subtle artistic-looking lighting in the evening. We believe that a harmonious unity of wild nature and our solutions is the essence of modern-day aesthetics. This space helps people realize that nature needs to be respected and become more aware of its beauty and significance.
Key objectives for inclusion
People without a car, their own country house or the possibility to travel out of town also gained the ability to get in touch with nature, to enjoy the marvelous natural landscapes, interact with other park visitors, and to feel like a part of the community.
All the path slopes and surfaces were designed to be accessible for people in wheelchairs – they are able to reach any point of Sarzhyn Yar easily.
Our lakes are not surrounded by fences, so the park visitors can come close to the water. This is a great quiet location to be at when the sun rises or sets, to watch the water, clear your head and put your thoughts in order.
All the path slopes and surfaces were designed to be accessible for people in wheelchairs – they are able to reach any point of Sarzhyn Yar easily.
Our lakes are not surrounded by fences, so the park visitors can come close to the water. This is a great quiet location to be at when the sun rises or sets, to watch the water, clear your head and put your thoughts in order.
Results in relation to category
We consider the following to be the main results of our project:
1. Saving the ravine area from further degradation and making it fully usable to the whole community of the city.
2. Creating a climatic oasis, cooler than the rest of the city during the summer and warmer during the winter.
3. Giving all layers of society the opportunity to interact with nature.
4. Transforming the space with the help of natural materials, which kept the carbon footprint to a minimum.
5. Uniting the community around improving and protecting their beloved recreation and leisure area.
6. Achieving awards from the Architects’ Community of Ukraine and Architizer magazine.
7. Influencing the opinions of many Ukrainian architects and government officials, who – after witnessing our results - started implementing more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions in their further projects.
1. Saving the ravine area from further degradation and making it fully usable to the whole community of the city.
2. Creating a climatic oasis, cooler than the rest of the city during the summer and warmer during the winter.
3. Giving all layers of society the opportunity to interact with nature.
4. Transforming the space with the help of natural materials, which kept the carbon footprint to a minimum.
5. Uniting the community around improving and protecting their beloved recreation and leisure area.
6. Achieving awards from the Architects’ Community of Ukraine and Architizer magazine.
7. Influencing the opinions of many Ukrainian architects and government officials, who – after witnessing our results - started implementing more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions in their further projects.
How Citizens benefit
At the stage of research, we organized meetings with the residents in order to obtain their feedback and understand their needs and suggestions better.
During the construction stage, we invited volunteers to help us reinforce the lake banks. Together with them, we collected willow sprouts in another part of the ravine and planted them along the lakes. Not only did this strengthen the banks when the sprouts grew routs and started growing, but it also gave the residents to communicate with their fellow volunteers from other districts of the city.
One other vivid example of the community coming together is the protest against new construction on the Sarzhyn Yar territory. In 2023, with the permission of the city authorities, the plans for building an office center in Sarzhyn Yar were being made. The community was against this decision and began collecting signatures, staging protests, addressed the president and the local authorities until the mayor backed down and publicly announced the reversal of the earlier scandalous decision. People from all over the city took part in the protest. This way, Sarzhyn Yar proved to be not only a beloved-by-all public space, but also a symbol of forming an active civil society.
During the construction stage, we invited volunteers to help us reinforce the lake banks. Together with them, we collected willow sprouts in another part of the ravine and planted them along the lakes. Not only did this strengthen the banks when the sprouts grew routs and started growing, but it also gave the residents to communicate with their fellow volunteers from other districts of the city.
One other vivid example of the community coming together is the protest against new construction on the Sarzhyn Yar territory. In 2023, with the permission of the city authorities, the plans for building an office center in Sarzhyn Yar were being made. The community was against this decision and began collecting signatures, staging protests, addressed the president and the local authorities until the mayor backed down and publicly announced the reversal of the earlier scandalous decision. People from all over the city took part in the protest. This way, Sarzhyn Yar proved to be not only a beloved-by-all public space, but also a symbol of forming an active civil society.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
We believe using cold spring water in order to create cool wet gardens in cities to be an innovative idea. If we apply the method used by our ancestors of making man-made water reservoirs, we can reduce the scorching heat of a mid-summer city and create an oasis of coolness without damaging the environment. Most city water bodies are supplied with water from water pipes in an artificial way. Water is kept in concrete containers with concrete or granite reinforcing the banks of such water reservoirs. Such methods are extremely costly and are not sustainable, compared with the ones we offered. Our suggestions included:
- using water from natural sources, which would cool the air due to the low temperature of the water;
- using a thick layer of clay to create the surface of the artificial reservoirs;
- reinforcing the banks with the help of willow sprouts, which grow roots.
- using water from natural sources, which would cool the air due to the low temperature of the water;
- using a thick layer of clay to create the surface of the artificial reservoirs;
- reinforcing the banks with the help of willow sprouts, which grow roots.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
While working on the project, we researched the experience of our ancestors on creating artificial water reservoirs. At the research stage, we received the documents from geologists and surveyors, which formed the basis of our project work. We also cooperated with hydrologists, hydraulic engineers, and vertical planning specialists. Our team, consisting of architects and designers has spent almost two years planning and implementing the project. We have invited biologists and ornithologists to get their expert opinion on how to preserve and even enhance the biodiversity of Sarzhyn Yar. All of this interdisciplinary cooperation resulted in a natural oasis with a unique microclimate and a range of bird and plant life.
Methodology used
We have spent a long time doing research, examining the area, collecting requests and suggestions from the locals, studying the experience of the older generations – all of which formed the foundation of our project work. When our project documentation was ready, we did everything possible to explain our ideas to both the community and the city authorities. After the successful implementation of the project, we spread these ideas among our professional community and to various government officials, in order for them to use this experience. Our work proves that funds can be saved and nature can be preserved if the approach is right.
How stakeholders are engaged
SBM studio architects, experienced engineers and young progressive-minded specialists were involved in the project. They knew the area and its peculiarities well, which made the process more efficient. We also consulted retired civil engineers - their input and knowledge helped solve the issue of drainage and engineering communications. We also interacted with communities that use the territory of the park. While installing table tennis equipment, local players were consulted as to the best way to position the tables. Groups of people engaged in cold water plunging, workout sessions, fitness, aerobics, nordic walking and yoga helped shape the recreational zones of the park.
This project is an example of this modern eco-conscious approach clashing with the outdated soviet principles and the people in power who were used to them. This project sets a positive example of rejuvenating city parks for other cities in Ukraine.
After the project was implemented and received praise from the community, many Ukrainian architects and government officials started implementing more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions in their further projects.
This project is an example of this modern eco-conscious approach clashing with the outdated soviet principles and the people in power who were used to them. This project sets a positive example of rejuvenating city parks for other cities in Ukraine.
After the project was implemented and received praise from the community, many Ukrainian architects and government officials started implementing more eco-friendly and sustainable solutions in their further projects.
Global challenges
We are mitigating the effects of global warming with the help of spring cold water, which cools the air in the ravine and creates a wonderful microclimate during the summer. In winter this place is one of the warmest havens for birds, animals and people. During the construction stage, we kept the carbon footprint to an absolute minimum, as we used natural eco-friendly technology of our ancestors. The atmosphere in the ravine is the one of unity, equality and mutual acceptance. People from all walks of life and layers of society meet and interact in Sarzhyn Yar: IT sphere workers who come out for a lunch break from the nearby office buildings, parents with their children, elderly citizens from old 5-story apartment buildings in this district. It was important to take into account the requirements of people using wheelchairs and those with special needs. We have developed special ramps and calculated the angles of paths for them to be usable by these visitors.
Learning transferred to other parties
We used the natural features of the area, but we are sure that there are many locations with cold water springs and access to clay, where willow plants can grow. Our project is about noting the local conditions and using them to the community’s advantage. Our project can be easily applied to other areas and communities, as it does not require any special materials and is very cost-effective. The necessary elements are the communities’ and local governments’ desire to enhance their area and appreciating nature.
Keywords
sustainability
community
interaction
nature
recreation
