Regaining a sense of belonging
Boryspil Hub design
Architectural organization of the near-airport areas of the Boryspil Hub
The Boryspil Hub design aims to restore degraded and abandoned areas around the airport and integrate them into the urban and rural surroundings. One of the project's main goals is to use the potential of the location next to a promising transport hub between Europe and Asia and create a comprehensive proposal for the use of the territory. This proposal will represent the country on a global level and improve the quality of life of locals, who have so far suffered more from this neighbourhood.
Ukraine
Regional
Kyiv region
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Completed
No
No
As an individual
The city of Boryspil and its surroundings grew due to its strategic location on key transport routes, further boosted by Ukraine’s main airport. However, the lack of a development plan led to overloaded roads and abandoned areas, harming the region’s image. Before the war, plans aimed to turn the airport into a major aviation hub, but without a new approach, this could worsen local conditions. Despite the war pausing aviation growth, a regional development strategy is urgently needed.
The project aims to revitalize neglected areas around the airport by introducing functions that serve travelers, locals, and businesses that rely on transportation mobility. This would create more jobs and activities in the region, reducing daily migration to Kyiv and easing pressure on the transportation network. Additionally, the proposal addresses existing issues: the landfill will be replaced with a waste processing plant, while the freed-up land will be turned into a park to help reduce aircraft noise. The planned cemetery will be relocated farther from residential areas and reimagined as a park, serving as a noise barrier by reviving the ancient tradition of burial mounds.
Another initiative aims to restore a lost local craft by reviving an agricultural exhibition and trade zone, where people exchanged knowledge for centuries before its decline in the 1980s. The goal is to promote advanced farming methods to reduce the vast, inefficient fields that burden the entire country.
The project also proposes creating a recognizable identity for Ukraine’s main airport by utilizing the "fifth façade"— its aerial view. Traditional Ukrainian and Trypillian motifs would be incorporated into the design. The airport’s surrounding areas would introduce travelers to Ukraine—its traditions, inventions, and history. A key component of this effort would be an entertainment and service complex, which has been designed in more detail.
The project aims to revitalize neglected areas around the airport by introducing functions that serve travelers, locals, and businesses that rely on transportation mobility. This would create more jobs and activities in the region, reducing daily migration to Kyiv and easing pressure on the transportation network. Additionally, the proposal addresses existing issues: the landfill will be replaced with a waste processing plant, while the freed-up land will be turned into a park to help reduce aircraft noise. The planned cemetery will be relocated farther from residential areas and reimagined as a park, serving as a noise barrier by reviving the ancient tradition of burial mounds.
Another initiative aims to restore a lost local craft by reviving an agricultural exhibition and trade zone, where people exchanged knowledge for centuries before its decline in the 1980s. The goal is to promote advanced farming methods to reduce the vast, inefficient fields that burden the entire country.
The project also proposes creating a recognizable identity for Ukraine’s main airport by utilizing the "fifth façade"— its aerial view. Traditional Ukrainian and Trypillian motifs would be incorporated into the design. The airport’s surrounding areas would introduce travelers to Ukraine—its traditions, inventions, and history. A key component of this effort would be an entertainment and service complex, which has been designed in more detail.
airport surroundings
revitalization
popularization of national culture
comprehensive addressing local issues
regional development strategy
Before design began, a study identified key aspects of sustainable development for airport-adjacent areas. These include alternative energy, eco-friendly materials, efficient agro-industry, energy-efficient buildings, microclimate improvement, recycling, resilience, and adaptability. Special focus was given to noise protection, crucial for airport zones.
The project incorporates these aspects through various solutions. Notably, the landfill is proposed to be replaced with a waste processing plant, addressing waste issues while providing alternative energy to nearby areas. However, not all waste can be processed or reused, so accumulated waste is planned to be buried using landfill reclamation technology. This will offer multiple benefits: creating a park near the city, providing noise protection through hills and tree planting, and reducing bird populations attracted by the landfill, thereby preventing hazardous situations.
Similarly, most proposed landscapes are multifunctional. In addition to enhancing aesthetics and residential noise protection through greenery and hills, they serve additional purposes. For example, one area is designated as a golf club, while another proposes relocating a planned cemetery that was initially planned near residential buildings.
Although many project areas were previously unused but designated for agriculture, the plan includes intensive food production methods such as vertical farms and greenhouses on a smaller land footprint.
Additional project solutions include connecting different zones with autonomous electric shuttles, partially underground buildings (for energy efficiency and missile protection), solar-powered lighting, moss-covered filter walls for air purification, and more.
A further positive outcome of the area’s development is the reduced need for locals to commute to Kyiv, which will also benefit the overall environment.
The project incorporates these aspects through various solutions. Notably, the landfill is proposed to be replaced with a waste processing plant, addressing waste issues while providing alternative energy to nearby areas. However, not all waste can be processed or reused, so accumulated waste is planned to be buried using landfill reclamation technology. This will offer multiple benefits: creating a park near the city, providing noise protection through hills and tree planting, and reducing bird populations attracted by the landfill, thereby preventing hazardous situations.
Similarly, most proposed landscapes are multifunctional. In addition to enhancing aesthetics and residential noise protection through greenery and hills, they serve additional purposes. For example, one area is designated as a golf club, while another proposes relocating a planned cemetery that was initially planned near residential buildings.
Although many project areas were previously unused but designated for agriculture, the plan includes intensive food production methods such as vertical farms and greenhouses on a smaller land footprint.
Additional project solutions include connecting different zones with autonomous electric shuttles, partially underground buildings (for energy efficiency and missile protection), solar-powered lighting, moss-covered filter walls for air purification, and more.
A further positive outcome of the area’s development is the reduced need for locals to commute to Kyiv, which will also benefit the overall environment.
Covering such a vast area, the project strives to balance landscape and urbanized space, creating a comfortable environment. Some buildings are integrated into slopes, ensuring a seamless transition between zones.
At the same time, even utilitarian functions like the cemetery are reimagined with a new philosophical approach. Offering diverse burial methods, it is not a place of death but a site of nature’s rebirth, free from fear.
From an artistic perspective, the goal was to create a recognizable and unique aerial image, as travelers’ first impression will come from above. This image embodies the symbolization of parts of the project: the main connecting promenade represents the boundary between Europe and Asia (reflecting the airport’s future hub function), just as the Dnipro River divides and unites Ukraine’s Right and Left Banks. At the same time, the promenade serves as a stem from which various functional zones "grow".
The image of entertainment and service complex is inspired by the ornamental motifs of the Trypillia civilization, which thrived here 5,000 years ago. Designed as a gateway to Ukrainian culture—its past, present, and future—the complex features dedicated zones for history, traditional way of life, inventions, and creativity, seamlessly integrating essential traveler services like accommodation and dining. The complex includes diverse spaces catering to a broad audience, with large and small areas for various activities. Some zones are multifunctional, such as the central square, which adapts to different events through the movement of mobile greenery, allowing for flexible transformations based on needs.
At the same time, even utilitarian functions like the cemetery are reimagined with a new philosophical approach. Offering diverse burial methods, it is not a place of death but a site of nature’s rebirth, free from fear.
From an artistic perspective, the goal was to create a recognizable and unique aerial image, as travelers’ first impression will come from above. This image embodies the symbolization of parts of the project: the main connecting promenade represents the boundary between Europe and Asia (reflecting the airport’s future hub function), just as the Dnipro River divides and unites Ukraine’s Right and Left Banks. At the same time, the promenade serves as a stem from which various functional zones "grow".
The image of entertainment and service complex is inspired by the ornamental motifs of the Trypillia civilization, which thrived here 5,000 years ago. Designed as a gateway to Ukrainian culture—its past, present, and future—the complex features dedicated zones for history, traditional way of life, inventions, and creativity, seamlessly integrating essential traveler services like accommodation and dining. The complex includes diverse spaces catering to a broad audience, with large and small areas for various activities. Some zones are multifunctional, such as the central square, which adapts to different events through the movement of mobile greenery, allowing for flexible transformations based on needs.
One of the project's goals was to simplify the introduction to Ukrainian culture for both travelers and locals. Therefore, all locations are open for visits and are designed to enhance people's experience of interacting with the created space.
Since the concept of an aviation hub involves passenger transfers from one flight to another, an excursion to the entertainment and service complex is offered as a way to fill the transfer window. Various time-spending scenarios have been modelled depending on tourists' available time. Time frames ranging from a few hours to several days have been considered, allowing visitors not only to explore the entertainment and service complex but also to visit other locations. For convenient transportation, special autonomous shuttles are provided. All locations are interconnected with ramps and tunnels, ensuring they do not interfere with the existing transportation network.
At the heart of the entertainment and service complex, a shopping mall is planned. In addition to its entertainment function, it will host representations of different countries, creating an international platform for mutual assistance, discussions, and information exchange.
It is also worth noting that for spotters—people who enjoy observing aeroplanes—specially designated locations have been provided, ensuring that their experience is not only exciting but also safe.
Since the concept of an aviation hub involves passenger transfers from one flight to another, an excursion to the entertainment and service complex is offered as a way to fill the transfer window. Various time-spending scenarios have been modelled depending on tourists' available time. Time frames ranging from a few hours to several days have been considered, allowing visitors not only to explore the entertainment and service complex but also to visit other locations. For convenient transportation, special autonomous shuttles are provided. All locations are interconnected with ramps and tunnels, ensuring they do not interfere with the existing transportation network.
At the heart of the entertainment and service complex, a shopping mall is planned. In addition to its entertainment function, it will host representations of different countries, creating an international platform for mutual assistance, discussions, and information exchange.
It is also worth noting that for spotters—people who enjoy observing aeroplanes—specially designated locations have been provided, ensuring that their experience is not only exciting but also safe.
Before starting the design process, I familiarized myself with the results of public discussions on the existing problems of the city of Boryspil and its surroundings. I researched local initiatives that were being developed and personally communicated with the city's residents. From this, I identified a range of issues concerning the community and began searching for solutions.
One of the most pressing problems was the landfill, which had expanded chaotically and polluted the air. This was addressed by incorporating a waste processing plant and the development of a reclamation park.
Residents of Martusivka, a village south of the airport, were worried about a cemetery planned near their homes. They had been protesting for a long time, leading the authorities to halt the burial site project. However, the need for a cemetery remained, so in the project, I aimed to find a solution that would satisfy all parties.
Young people in the surrounding areas expressed concerns about the lack of places to spend their free time or engage in sports. They had to travel nearly an hour to the capital for such activities, which was inconvenient. Therefore, the project includes diverse spaces for hobbies and sports activities. One of them is snowkiting, which, surprisingly, is an initiative of local youngsters.
The development project for the airport-adjacent areas will also address the broader issue of daily commuting to the capital for work. By creating competitive job opportunities, this phenomenon will be reduced, benefiting not only the suburbs but also the capital by alleviating congestion on its overburdened bridges.
Further interaction with locals is planned after the project is presented to the municipality in the form of public discussions, where people will be able to express their views and suggestions regarding the proposed solutions.
One of the most pressing problems was the landfill, which had expanded chaotically and polluted the air. This was addressed by incorporating a waste processing plant and the development of a reclamation park.
Residents of Martusivka, a village south of the airport, were worried about a cemetery planned near their homes. They had been protesting for a long time, leading the authorities to halt the burial site project. However, the need for a cemetery remained, so in the project, I aimed to find a solution that would satisfy all parties.
Young people in the surrounding areas expressed concerns about the lack of places to spend their free time or engage in sports. They had to travel nearly an hour to the capital for such activities, which was inconvenient. Therefore, the project includes diverse spaces for hobbies and sports activities. One of them is snowkiting, which, surprisingly, is an initiative of local youngsters.
The development project for the airport-adjacent areas will also address the broader issue of daily commuting to the capital for work. By creating competitive job opportunities, this phenomenon will be reduced, benefiting not only the suburbs but also the capital by alleviating congestion on its overburdened bridges.
Further interaction with locals is planned after the project is presented to the municipality in the form of public discussions, where people will be able to express their views and suggestions regarding the proposed solutions.
The project took into account the provisions and decisions of the following national and international programs and documents:
1) The Agreement on the Common Aviation Area between Ukraine and the EU, signed on October 12, 2021.
2) The State Target Program for Airport Development until 2023, developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.
3) The general development plans for the Boryspil City Territorial Community, as well as the Prystolychna and Hirska Rural Territorial Communities, including the city of Boryspil and the villages of Hora, Martusivka, Chubynske, and Velyka Oleksandrivka.
4) The updated development concept of Boryspil International Airport.
5) The Ukrainian President’s initiative "Great Construction: Aviation. Tourism."
These programs helped shape the goals that needed to be achieved and served as a foundation for analysis and design.
Additionally, the "Ukraine NOW" tourism branding initiative played a key role. Its concept and branding were further developed when designing thematic zones within the entertainment and service complex.
1) The Agreement on the Common Aviation Area between Ukraine and the EU, signed on October 12, 2021.
2) The State Target Program for Airport Development until 2023, developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure of Ukraine.
3) The general development plans for the Boryspil City Territorial Community, as well as the Prystolychna and Hirska Rural Territorial Communities, including the city of Boryspil and the villages of Hora, Martusivka, Chubynske, and Velyka Oleksandrivka.
4) The updated development concept of Boryspil International Airport.
5) The Ukrainian President’s initiative "Great Construction: Aviation. Tourism."
These programs helped shape the goals that needed to be achieved and served as a foundation for analysis and design.
Additionally, the "Ukraine NOW" tourism branding initiative played a key role. Its concept and branding were further developed when designing thematic zones within the entertainment and service complex.
The project was inspired by geographer Yuriy Palekha’s lecture on the economic importance of an international hub at Boryspil. I also consulted with a transport expert who confirmed that such plans exist and highlighted the challenges associated with them. Following this, I presented him with my solutions regarding changes to the transport mobility scheme.
Collaboration with Ukraine's main territorial planning authority, the DIPROMISTO Institute, played a crucial role in the project planning. They developed master plans for these areas and described what had been envisioned for the region’s development but had not been implemented. This information helped me understand how the territory was originally intended to function and the actual outcome.
During the design process, I also relied on the work of researchers who studied modelling and architectural-planning organization of transport hubs (I. Dreval, V. Shchurova, O. Ryabova), the placement of monofunctional developments near airports (N. Avdeyeva, O. Semikina), the architectural-planning organization of airport development objects (H. Ageyeva, M. Kasim), aerotropolises or airport cities (J. Kasarda, K. Veretennikova, S. Timchenko, D. Rundin, N. Ismailova), inclusive harmonization and design of the architectural environment (N. Shebek), as well as counteracting the spread of noise and electromagnetic fields (L. Levchenko).
During the war in Ukraine, an additional challenge was ensuring civil protection for the population. Therefore, experts were consulted and calculations for bomb shelters were conducted, leading to proposed solutions on how to integrate them harmoniously into the architectural design.
Besides collaborating with industry specialists, an important aspect was studying implemented solutions for airport-adjacent areas. Many ideas were taken and improved upon from airports such as Zurich, Schiphol, Birmingham, Brussels, Budapest, Frankfurt am Main, Shannon, Atlanta, and Charles de Gaulle.
Collaboration with Ukraine's main territorial planning authority, the DIPROMISTO Institute, played a crucial role in the project planning. They developed master plans for these areas and described what had been envisioned for the region’s development but had not been implemented. This information helped me understand how the territory was originally intended to function and the actual outcome.
During the design process, I also relied on the work of researchers who studied modelling and architectural-planning organization of transport hubs (I. Dreval, V. Shchurova, O. Ryabova), the placement of monofunctional developments near airports (N. Avdeyeva, O. Semikina), the architectural-planning organization of airport development objects (H. Ageyeva, M. Kasim), aerotropolises or airport cities (J. Kasarda, K. Veretennikova, S. Timchenko, D. Rundin, N. Ismailova), inclusive harmonization and design of the architectural environment (N. Shebek), as well as counteracting the spread of noise and electromagnetic fields (L. Levchenko).
During the war in Ukraine, an additional challenge was ensuring civil protection for the population. Therefore, experts were consulted and calculations for bomb shelters were conducted, leading to proposed solutions on how to integrate them harmoniously into the architectural design.
Besides collaborating with industry specialists, an important aspect was studying implemented solutions for airport-adjacent areas. Many ideas were taken and improved upon from airports such as Zurich, Schiphol, Birmingham, Brussels, Budapest, Frankfurt am Main, Shannon, Atlanta, and Charles de Gaulle.
The project's innovation lies in its complexity. First, it does not consider each area in isolation but treats the entire territory as a single organism, constantly interacting with its surroundings and internal elements. Second, it takes a multi-faceted approach, evaluating the area from economic, social, and cultural-political perspectives. Third, it addresses challenges on local, regional, and national levels. This multi-layered approach defines the project’s uniqueness and innovative design.
Additionally, numerous existing solutions were analyzed, reinterpreted, and structured into a more effective framework.
Additionally, numerous existing solutions were analyzed, reinterpreted, and structured into a more effective framework.
Before the design process began, an analysis of scientific studies and existing solutions related to this topic was conducted. This work resulted in a theoretical justification for the architectural and planning organization of airport impact zones. It includes principles, compliance requirements, and a comprehensive model of airport-adjacent areas, detailing what can be located there, how elements interconnect, and how to balance functional spaces.
Next, information was gathered on Boryspil and its surroundings. The study covered the evolution of the area over ten centuries, its identity, and existing social, political, economic, and architectural planning challenges and constraints.
Based on the collected knowledge, the design process commenced as a response to the analyzed data. Initially, the objectives were formulated in text and numerical form, gradually transitioning into 2D and then 3D spatial representations.
To give the ideas more concreteness, a selected fragment of the entertainment and service complex was developed in greater detail. This approach allowed, first, to complement the vision of future changes with architectural volumes rather than just urban planning layouts, and second, to better demonstrate how to adhere to scientifically derived principles and requirements in real-world design.
Next, information was gathered on Boryspil and its surroundings. The study covered the evolution of the area over ten centuries, its identity, and existing social, political, economic, and architectural planning challenges and constraints.
Based on the collected knowledge, the design process commenced as a response to the analyzed data. Initially, the objectives were formulated in text and numerical form, gradually transitioning into 2D and then 3D spatial representations.
To give the ideas more concreteness, a selected fragment of the entertainment and service complex was developed in greater detail. This approach allowed, first, to complement the vision of future changes with architectural volumes rather than just urban planning layouts, and second, to better demonstrate how to adhere to scientifically derived principles and requirements in real-world design.
The project itself cannot be copied, as it is deeply tied to the context of its specific location. However, the scientifically grounded principles, model, requirements, approach to implementation, and problem-solving techniques can be applied not only to other airport-adjacent areas but also to the architectural environment in general.
An example of this is the approach to multifunctional areas, which not only address existing issues but also create additional benefits. In this project, noise-protection landscapes simultaneously serve as a golf club, a cemetery, or a park reclaimed from a landfill. At first glance, these elements seem incompatible, but with creativity, they can harmoniously complement one another.
An example of this is the approach to multifunctional areas, which not only address existing issues but also create additional benefits. In this project, noise-protection landscapes simultaneously serve as a golf club, a cemetery, or a park reclaimed from a landfill. At first glance, these elements seem incompatible, but with creativity, they can harmoniously complement one another.
The project demonstrates the regeneration of neglected areas, which is crucial in a time of rapid global population growth and the need to provide comfortable living conditions with minimal environmental impact. Expanding into new territories is not a solution, as it inevitably leads to ecosystem destruction. Instead, existing industrialized areas can be improved to achieve this goal.
The project also promotes the preservation and global dissemination of unique traditions and culture. In an era of globalization, this issue is becoming increasingly pressing, as lifestyles around the world are being standardized through the indiscriminate adoption of innovations. The processes of improvement and preservation must work together—not to eliminate one another, but to evolve and reach a new level.
The project also promotes the preservation and global dissemination of unique traditions and culture. In an era of globalization, this issue is becoming increasingly pressing, as lifestyles around the world are being standardized through the indiscriminate adoption of innovations. The processes of improvement and preservation must work together—not to eliminate one another, but to evolve and reach a new level.
Although the war has temporarily halted the development of civil aviation in Ukraine, both the government and businesses continue to show interest in this sector. Signals about a possible reopening of the airspace confirm that now is the right time to start promoting the project. This will allow for its swift implementation once air travel resumes.
The main tasks at this stage include gathering feedback from authorities and the public, finding investors, and expanding the team that will develop and implement the idea.
To collect feedback, the project will be presented to local competent authorities, which will help organize public hearings and introduce the idea to a broader audience.
Engaging the government will also facilitate investor searches, as large-scale projects like this cannot be financed solely by private investors in Ukraine. It is expected that the primary donors will be the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development and international grants.
As a possible way to expand the design team, the DIPROMISTO Institute is being considered, as it specializes in large-scale master plans and territorial development strategies. Additionally, the Department of Urban Planning at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, where I am a PhD candidate, could contribute. This collaboration would allow me to work with both faculty and students, enriching the educational process with real-world applied tasks.
The main tasks at this stage include gathering feedback from authorities and the public, finding investors, and expanding the team that will develop and implement the idea.
To collect feedback, the project will be presented to local competent authorities, which will help organize public hearings and introduce the idea to a broader audience.
Engaging the government will also facilitate investor searches, as large-scale projects like this cannot be financed solely by private investors in Ukraine. It is expected that the primary donors will be the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development and international grants.
As a possible way to expand the design team, the DIPROMISTO Institute is being considered, as it specializes in large-scale master plans and territorial development strategies. Additionally, the Department of Urban Planning at Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture, where I am a PhD candidate, could contribute. This collaboration would allow me to work with both faculty and students, enriching the educational process with real-world applied tasks.
