Regaining a sense of belonging
Revival of the Historic Park
The revival of the urban park that grew on the ruins of the Bar fortress
Today, only the remains of the walls and inaccessible basement rooms—overgrown with lush weeds and bushes—are left of the once-mighty stronghold. The project to revitalize the park was conceived to breathe life back into this centuries-old historic site. It aimed not only to restore a historical space at risk of vanishing but also to celebrate its unique, irreplaceable cultural legacy while creating a communal area for teens and adults to connect, collaborate, and engage in cultural events.
Ukraine
Local
Bar
Mainly urban
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Early concept
No
No
As a representative of an organisation
The city of Bar received its current name after the Polish queen of Italian origin, Bona Sforza, acquired the land and arrived here with her son, Sigismund Augustus, in 1533 and renamed the city in honor of her Italian hometown, Bari. In 1538, the queen constructed a new castle fortress, designed by Guillaume de Beauplan himself, which, unfortunately, was destroyed by Apraksin’s troops in 1768. At the time, the Bar Castle was considered the second most powerful after the Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress, earning it the title of "the key to Eastern Podillia."
Today, remnants of the fortress can still be seen scattered throughout the park zone—these ruins are all that remain of Bar Castle. Cleansing and strengthening the remaining walls and enhancing the area surrounding the castle by installing rest zones, podium to perform on and educate from, a small bookcrossing library featuring books on related history will encourage residents to visit and deepen their knowledge of the fortress. Events organized as part of the project will create favorable conditions for visitors to familiarize themselves with Bar Castle, as it is already a part of the "Camino Podolico" tourist route. On a broader scale, these efforts will stimulate the cultural and social development of the city.
Moreover, studies suggest that teens need asses to public spaces for their social, mental and physical health and development. This demographic also constitutes a large public-space users, yet they are largely ignored or excluded from design consideration. City park is already a popular gathering place among community youth, so specifically design space for them will be welcomed with open arms.
Today, remnants of the fortress can still be seen scattered throughout the park zone—these ruins are all that remain of Bar Castle. Cleansing and strengthening the remaining walls and enhancing the area surrounding the castle by installing rest zones, podium to perform on and educate from, a small bookcrossing library featuring books on related history will encourage residents to visit and deepen their knowledge of the fortress. Events organized as part of the project will create favorable conditions for visitors to familiarize themselves with Bar Castle, as it is already a part of the "Camino Podolico" tourist route. On a broader scale, these efforts will stimulate the cultural and social development of the city.
Moreover, studies suggest that teens need asses to public spaces for their social, mental and physical health and development. This demographic also constitutes a large public-space users, yet they are largely ignored or excluded from design consideration. City park is already a popular gathering place among community youth, so specifically design space for them will be welcomed with open arms.
Revival of a derelict space through community engagement
Activating heritage
Education
Sustainable renovation
Empowerment
The use of recycled and locally obtained materials will be given priority during the construction and landscaping phases of the project in order to reduce environmental impact. Mostly recycled wood will be utilized for park structures. Moreover, the use of textiles, wood, stone, and other natural materials creates a cozy atmosphere and supports sustainability.
The historical remnants of the Bar fortress will be preserved by stabilizing and strengthening the existing ruins and integrating them into the park’s design. This strategy will preserve their cultural relevance while converting the location into a contemporary area that encourages community involvement, education, and enjoyment.
The historical remnants of the Bar fortress will be preserved by stabilizing and strengthening the existing ruins and integrating them into the park’s design. This strategy will preserve their cultural relevance while converting the location into a contemporary area that encourages community involvement, education, and enjoyment.
Adolescents, particularly young women, are increasingly seeking enjoyable and social activities, showing less interest in competitive and structured sports. Nevertheless, most facilities primarily provide sports opportunities for youth, rather than catering to the broader social activity needs of all teenagers. Work in UK found that teenagers had a desire to spend time in parks through play and friendly chatter.
With this in mind, the park’s design will prioritize creating a space that meets these needs while also focusing on creating a seamless blend of the historical Bar fortress remnants with contemporary features, ensuring a unified aesthetic that honors both the past and the present. The elements of renovation will be integrated into the space between the trees, preserving the natural appearance of the landscape and not disrupting the existing ecosystem. The layout will incorporate age-appropriate hang-out areas alongside recreational zones, offering a variety of activities that are inclusive and enjoyable for all teenagers. Native plants and colorful flowerbeds will be strategically placed to enhance the natural beauty, providing a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
The design will also emphasize attention to detail, maintaining a refined and cohesive look throughout the park. Community involvement will be encouraged to ensure local input and contributions are recognized, creating a sense of pride and connection to the space.
An oval stage is planned for construction in front of the remnants of the castle walls. Large semi-transparent structures, resembling parachutes, will be stretched from the stage across the surrounding area, providing shade and creating a cozy atmosphere while adding brightness and originality to the space. Lamps with repurposed lampshades will be installed throughout the area, offering a soft, warm glow in the evening. Relaxation zones near the stage will feature garden chairs, wicker furniture, or soft poufs.
With this in mind, the park’s design will prioritize creating a space that meets these needs while also focusing on creating a seamless blend of the historical Bar fortress remnants with contemporary features, ensuring a unified aesthetic that honors both the past and the present. The elements of renovation will be integrated into the space between the trees, preserving the natural appearance of the landscape and not disrupting the existing ecosystem. The layout will incorporate age-appropriate hang-out areas alongside recreational zones, offering a variety of activities that are inclusive and enjoyable for all teenagers. Native plants and colorful flowerbeds will be strategically placed to enhance the natural beauty, providing a peaceful and inviting atmosphere.
The design will also emphasize attention to detail, maintaining a refined and cohesive look throughout the park. Community involvement will be encouraged to ensure local input and contributions are recognized, creating a sense of pride and connection to the space.
An oval stage is planned for construction in front of the remnants of the castle walls. Large semi-transparent structures, resembling parachutes, will be stretched from the stage across the surrounding area, providing shade and creating a cozy atmosphere while adding brightness and originality to the space. Lamps with repurposed lampshades will be installed throughout the area, offering a soft, warm glow in the evening. Relaxation zones near the stage will feature garden chairs, wicker furniture, or soft poufs.
The development of the project will engage various groups of the society: government, public institutions, Bar city municipality and non-profit organizations, educational institutions, local residents and the general urban population. The initiative aims to bring all of these people from various backgrounds and different age groups together through education about history and nature and active participation in creating nature-friendly solutions to existing problem.
During the construction of the installation, workshops would be held in stages to involve members of different community groups. Park is an innovative public space designed to encourage interaction and engagement between people of different age groups. Unlike traditional parks that often cater to specific age ranges, our intergenerational park incorporate features and activities that appeal to children, teenagers, adults, and seniors, fostering a sense of community and connection.
During the construction of the installation, workshops would be held in stages to involve members of different community groups. Park is an innovative public space designed to encourage interaction and engagement between people of different age groups. Unlike traditional parks that often cater to specific age ranges, our intergenerational park incorporate features and activities that appeal to children, teenagers, adults, and seniors, fostering a sense of community and connection.
Creating comfortable, welcoming space in the park will encourage community members to spend more time outside. The revitalized area aims to host cultural, educational, and environmental activities organized by the local community. These activities will become part of the daily life of the area, helping to revive celebrations of local traditions and strengthen community bonds. The place will encourage various groups and residents to reconnect with the space, fostering a sense of belonging and providing a neutral environment for discussions and collaboration. The positioned stage provides a space for events such as concerts by local groups (e.g., the "Nadvechir'ya" pensioners' group), performances by the local theater (Youth Art Academic Theater (YAAT)), workshops and various master classes. In particular, the park will be a valuable resource for local youth, as it is specifically designed to cater to their enjoyment and needs.
The installation will offer a range of inclusion and engagement opportunities, such as:
- appreciating local history through educational activities.
- movie nights
- performers and workshops evenings
- providing a safe-space for local youth to spend time at
- providing a space for the community to gather, interact, and organize events like communal lunches, yoga sessions, book clubs, and other activities.
It’s hard to express how much benefit the community will receive from cleansing the area surrounding the castle and reinforcing its walls, as it will not only preserve a piece of history but also create a space for cultural and social activities, attracting visitors and fostering a deeper connection to the local heritage for many generations to come.
The installation will offer a range of inclusion and engagement opportunities, such as:
- appreciating local history through educational activities.
- movie nights
- performers and workshops evenings
- providing a safe-space for local youth to spend time at
- providing a space for the community to gather, interact, and organize events like communal lunches, yoga sessions, book clubs, and other activities.
It’s hard to express how much benefit the community will receive from cleansing the area surrounding the castle and reinforcing its walls, as it will not only preserve a piece of history but also create a space for cultural and social activities, attracting visitors and fostering a deeper connection to the local heritage for many generations to come.
The design and implementation of the project actively engage diverse stakeholders at multiple levels, ensuring a comprehensive and contextually relevant development approach. The Bar City Council and local Youth Council serve as key partners, providing logistical support, infrastructure, and coordination with community members and organizations. Their insights have shaped the project’s design, addressing local needs and concerns, particularly regarding community priorities.
The active participation of youth-focused spaces like the popular local café DDM ensures that the park space is well-kept and meets the needs of younger generations, providing them with a safe and engaging environment to socialize, learn, and express themselves. Meanwhile, the involvement of local artists, theater groups, and musicians enriches the cultural fabric of the park, making it a vibrant center for performances, workshops, and community events.
Integration into the "Camino Podolico" tourist route further elevates the park’s significance, attracting visitors and boosting local tourism while preserving and promoting the historical legacy of the Bar fortress. This holistic approach ensures that the project is not only a physical transformation of the built environment but also a catalyst for social cohesion, cultural revival, and sustainable development, benefiting the community for generations to come.
The active participation of youth-focused spaces like the popular local café DDM ensures that the park space is well-kept and meets the needs of younger generations, providing them with a safe and engaging environment to socialize, learn, and express themselves. Meanwhile, the involvement of local artists, theater groups, and musicians enriches the cultural fabric of the park, making it a vibrant center for performances, workshops, and community events.
Integration into the "Camino Podolico" tourist route further elevates the park’s significance, attracting visitors and boosting local tourism while preserving and promoting the historical legacy of the Bar fortress. This holistic approach ensures that the project is not only a physical transformation of the built environment but also a catalyst for social cohesion, cultural revival, and sustainable development, benefiting the community for generations to come.
The Revival of the Historical Park project is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating principles of landscape architecture, architecture, history, urban planning, and community development to create a cohesive, sustainable, and inclusive design. This multifaceted approach gives a complete outcome and great value to the process of design and learning.
Landscape architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping the park’s revitalized layout. By carefully considering the natural environment and existing ecosystem, the design harmonizes with the site’s natural features, creating a space that respects its ecological integrity. Architectural expertise ensures that new structures are both functional and visually striking, enhancing the park’s appeal as a cultural and social hub.
History and cultural studies are central to the project, guiding the preservation of the fortress ruins and the creation of educational activities. By stabilizing and integrating the remnants of the Bar fortress into the park’s design, the project highlights the site’s cultural significance and fosters historical awareness.
By combining these interconnected disciplines, the project achieves a unified outcome that respects the site's historical legacy while addressing the contemporary needs of the community. Meetings and consultations among experts in these fields ensured that every aspect complemented the others, resulting in a design that integrates cultural, environmental, aesthetic, and functional dimensions seamlessly.
Landscape architecture plays a pivotal role in shaping the park’s revitalized layout. By carefully considering the natural environment and existing ecosystem, the design harmonizes with the site’s natural features, creating a space that respects its ecological integrity. Architectural expertise ensures that new structures are both functional and visually striking, enhancing the park’s appeal as a cultural and social hub.
History and cultural studies are central to the project, guiding the preservation of the fortress ruins and the creation of educational activities. By stabilizing and integrating the remnants of the Bar fortress into the park’s design, the project highlights the site’s cultural significance and fosters historical awareness.
By combining these interconnected disciplines, the project achieves a unified outcome that respects the site's historical legacy while addressing the contemporary needs of the community. Meetings and consultations among experts in these fields ensured that every aspect complemented the others, resulting in a design that integrates cultural, environmental, aesthetic, and functional dimensions seamlessly.
Combining historical preservation with modern community needs, the project presents an innovative approach to urban regeneration by transforming the remnants of the Bar fortress into a multifunctional space, with a focus on youth engagement. By incorporating educational workshops, and recreational areas, the project revitalizes a historic landmark while promoting social interaction, cultural appreciation, and sustainable practices.
It offers a dynamic blend of cultural heritage, ecological education, and recreational spaces. The incorporation of the Bar fortress’s rich history offers engaging, interactive learning experiences, while workshops and activities promote environmental consciousness and stewardship. Additionally, the creation of safe, inclusive areas ensures that the park becomes a vibrant space for leisure and social activities for all members of the community.
It offers a dynamic blend of cultural heritage, ecological education, and recreational spaces. The incorporation of the Bar fortress’s rich history offers engaging, interactive learning experiences, while workshops and activities promote environmental consciousness and stewardship. Additionally, the creation of safe, inclusive areas ensures that the park becomes a vibrant space for leisure and social activities for all members of the community.
The methodology for the Revival of the Historical Park project integrates participatory planning, historical preservation, sustainable design, and community-driven programming to transform the ruins of the Bar fortress into a vibrant, inclusive public space. Firstly, archival research was conducted to gather historical data about the Bar fortress, including its architectural design, cultural significance, and role in regional history. Historians and cultural experts were consulted to ensure accurate interpretation and preservation of the site’s heritage. Secondly, workshops were organized with local stakeholders—including residents, youth groups, artists, NGOs, and municipal representatives—to identify community needs, preferences, and ideas for the park’s design and programming. And finally, interventions were designed to blend with the natural landscape, avoiding tree removal and protecting the existing ecosystem.
The project serves as a case study for integrating historical preservation with sustainable urban development, showcasing how revitalizing a neglected historical site can foster community engagement, promote ecological stewardship, and create multifunctional spaces that meet contemporary needs while honoring cultural heritage.
To protect both the health of our planet and public well-being, it is essential to integrate sustainability into our daily environment and foster its development as an educational space. The project tackles urbanization by revitalizing green spaces within the city, transforming an overgrown and neglected historical site into a vibrant park that balances heritage conservation with sustainable urban development. It promotes community well-being and helps reduce social isolation by creating inclusive spaces where individuals of all ages and backgrounds can connect through activities like educational workshops, and cultural events. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose within the community.
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