UNIT.City: Transforming an Industrial Zone into an Innovation District

Honor Award

Urban Design

Kyiv, Ukraine
KOTSIUBA
Client: UDP, KAN Development

A Future-Oriented City on a Former Factory Site

The transformation of an industrial area into an open urban campus integrating education, work, and public life.

Image Credit: Ivan Avdeenko
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From a Closed Industrial Site to an Open City

A former manufacturing zone is gradually reintegrated into the urban fabric through public spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

Image Credit: APA Wojciechowski Architekci, KOTSIUBA
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Shaping the Urban Core Through Public Spaces

A network of key spaces—including the Event Plaza, pedestrian streets, and Education Hub—creates a dynamic space for learning, work, and social life.

Image Credit: APA Wojciechowski Architekci, KOTSIUBA
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A Space for Events, Work, and Community Life

A flexible plaza that brings people together for daily activities, social gatherings, and cultural events, creating a vibrant and dynamic urban space.

Image Credit: UNIT.City, Maria Savoskula, KOTSIUBA
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A Balanced Space for Work and Interaction

Multi-level seating, greenery, and open-air gathering spaces create a welcoming setting for leisure, events, and social engagement.

Image Credit: Maria Savoskula, Ivan Avdeenko
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Prioritizing Pedestrians, Micro-Mobility, and Green Infrastructure

UNIT.City's street network promotes a walkable and cyclist-friendly environment through shared space principles and active green infrastructure.

Image Credit: KOTSIUBA, Maria Savoskula
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Expanding the Urban Fabric with Walkable Links

Wide sidewalks, green buffers, and intuitive pathways create seamless transitions between the innovation district and the city.

Image Credit: KOTSIUBA
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An Open Educational Hub for All

Integrating academic institutions, research centers, and flexible learning spaces, the campus fosters technology development and collaboration.

Image Credit: Ivan Avdeenko, Maria Savoskula, KOTSIUBA
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A Landscape That Supports Learning & Interaction

Designed to accommodate both structured education and informal collaboration, fostering creativity and outdoor engagement.

Image Credit: Maria Savoskula, Ivan Avdeenko
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Nature as an Integral Part of the Urban Experience

Green spaces are woven into the built environment, providing shaded areas, buffer zones, and natural retreats for relaxation.

Image Credit: Maria Savoskula
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Urban Forest: Enhancing Biodiversity & Climate Resilience

A dense urban forest that enhances biodiversity, regulates the microclimate, and creates a self-sustaining natural ecosystem within the city.

Image Credit: Maria Savoskula, KOTSIUBA
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Green Infrastructure That Elevates Livability

Vegetation mitigates noise, reduces heat accumulation, and improves air quality, fostering a healthier and more comfortable urban environment.

Image Credit: Maria Savoskula
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Active & Social Spaces for Everyday Use

Designed for play, movement, and interaction — from outdoor chess and table tennis to workout zones and playgrounds.

Image Credit: Maria Savoskula, Ivan Avdeenko
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Cultural Programming & Public Engagement

Festivals, concerts, and community events bring UNIT.City to life, creating an active and engaging urban atmosphere year-round.

Image Credit: UNIT.City
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Blending Industrial Aesthetics with a Contemporary Vision

Corten steel, concrete, and wood honor the site’s industrial past while shaping a modern and distinctive urban character.

Image Credit: Maria Savoskula, Ivan Avdeenko, KOTSIUBA
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An Educational Landscape Designed for Sustainability

The school integrates rain gardens and green spaces, promoting ecological awareness and hands-on learning experiences.

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“

Wonderful detailing. Very interesting use of local materials and detailing. Highly successful! The diversity of landscape spaces and their integration into the existing fabric of this post-industrial site is very successful.

”

- 2025 Awards Jury

Project Credits

APA Wojciechowski Architekci, Master Planning and Architecture

Archimatika, Architecture

Architectural studio A. Pashenko, Architecture

TSEH Architectural Group, Architecture

Expolight, Lighting Design

Osvitoria, Educational Concept and School Development

TEBIN, Engineering and BIM Services

Evasad, Landscape Implementation

Dmytro Bespalov, Transport Planning and Traffic Modeling

Maksym Zayika, LEED Consultant

Project Statement

UNIT.City transforms a post-industrial site into an innovation district where education, work, and public life seamlessly intersect. The redevelopment reclaims a once-restricted area, establishing a walkable, climate-responsive urban environment that enhances connectivity with the city. A landscape-first approach defines key public spaces — including Event Plaza, pedestrian streets, an education hub, and rain gardens — that foster social interaction, biodiversity, and urban resilience. By prioritizing pedestrian-friendly design and green infrastructure, UNIT.City sets a precedent for adaptive, sustainable urban transformation, redefining how cities repurpose industrial heritage into thriving, future-ready districts.

Project Narrative

UNIT.City: Transforming an Industrial Zone into an Innovation District

Introduction: A New Urban Space on a Former Industrial Site

UNIT.City reclaims a former industrial site, transforming it into Ukraine’s first innovation district where education, work, and public life intersect. By reopening a once-restricted area, the project sets a precedent for adaptive urbanism and sustainable city-making. Landscape design anchors the transformation, enhancing pedestrian connectivity, resilience, and urban experience, shaping a climate-adaptive public space.

Context & Urban Challenges

The transformation of the former 60-acre manufacturing site addresses three core urban challenges:

Reintegrating the site – reconnecting the once-isolated industrial zone with Kyiv’s evolving urban fabric Honoring industrial heritage – adapting its legacy to create a future-proofed innovation ecosystem Shaping a climate-resilient public realm – designing inclusive, pedestrian-first spaces that foster social, educational, and economic interactions

This balance between industrial heritage and innovation defines the district’s unique identity.

Urban Framework: Key Public Spaces

A network of public spaces ensures seamless urban integration and pedestrian connectivity:

Event Plaza – a flexible civic space for daily activities and large-scale events Pedestrian Streets – walkable streets linking residential, commercial, and educational areas Education Hub – an open campus designed for learning, collaboration, and research School & Rain Gardens – integrating ecological learning and sustainable water management

More than just functional areas, these spaces activate community life, strengthen ecological networks, and foster a resilient urban fabric.

Design Principles & Integration

UNIT.City follows three key urban strategies:

Pedestrian-first design – shared spaces prioritizing people over cars Flexible landscapes – multifunctional spaces fostering work, recreation, and interaction Material identity – corten steel, concrete, and wood reflect the industrial past while shaping a contemporary district

Landscape is not an afterthought — it is the defining element of UNIT.City.

Ecological Resilience: A Climate-Adaptive Landscape

UNIT.City integrates nature-based solutions to improve environmental performance:

Buffer landscapes – mitigating heat stress, reducing noise, and improving microclimate conditions Rain gardens – managing stormwater while increasing biodiversity Diverse plantings – reducing maintenance needs and improving air quality

These strategies improve urban resilience and livability.

Social Activation & Public Life

UNIT.City fosters a dynamic public realm, ensuring an engaging urban experience:

Cultural programming – festivals, concerts, and performances Outdoor & learning spaces – fostering collaboration in flexible settings Universal accessibility – inclusive design that welcomes all users

By prioritizing human-centered design, the project ensures a thriving, connected public space.

Conclusion: A Model for Innovation & Urban Transformation

UNIT.City sets a new benchmark for post-industrial redevelopment, demonstrating how:

Urban renewal drives innovation and economic growth Public space fosters connectivity and engagement Sustainable landscapes enhance climate resilience and urban livability

UNIT.City sets a benchmark for how landscape-driven urbanism can transform post-industrial areas into thriving, resilient, and future-ready cities.

Products

Furniture
- Mone Studio
- Terekh.group
- s3t_furniture
Drainage/Erosion
- Custom local manufacturer
Fences/Gates/Walls
- Custom local manufacturer
Irrigation
- Rain Bird
- Hunter
Lumber/Decking/Edging
- Custom-made by local craftsmen
Parks/Recreation Equipment
- BUGLO
- Cornilleau
- Street Sport
Structures
- Custom local manufacturer
Water Management/Amenities
- Custom local manufacturer
Soils
- Evasad
Hardscape
- abc-klinkergruppe
- Playtoplocal suppliers
Lighting
- ROSA
- BEGA
- Cariboni
- Ivela

Plant List

Platanus acerifolia
Gleditsia triacanthos L. 'Skyline'
Acer rubrum "Red Sunset"
Sorbus "Dodong"
Koelreuteria paniculata
Quercus rubra
Prunus padus
Prunus serrulata "Sunset Boulevard"
Prunus serrulata "Kanzan"
Pinus nigra
Larix decidua
Juniperus x media 'Mint Julep'
Salix chaenomeloides "Mount Aso"
Corylus avellana
Cornus alba "Sibirica"
Spiraea cinerea "Grefsheim"
Physocarpus opulifolius
Viburnum plicatum 'Mariesii'
Cotoneaster dammeri
Vinca minor
Geranium macrorrhizum
Pachysandra terminalis
Carex spp.
Lythrum salicaria
Chelone
Iris pseudacorus
Echinacea purpurea
Juncus effusus
Pennisetum alopecuroides
Miscanthus sinensis
Calamagrostis brachytricha
Stipa capillata
Salvia nemorosa "Caradonna"
Astrantia major "Ruby Cloud"
Astilbe arendsii "Weisse Gloria", "Sister Theresa"
Luzula sylvatica "Select"
Matteuccia struthiopteris
Filipendula ulmaria
Polystichum