Results of international Workshop “Kontraktova Square: Scenarios for Development”

team #4 The CITY Group

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WHO WE AREAND WHAT WE DO

The CITY group is an interdisciplinary team that consists of specialists from different research fields of urban stu-dies such as sociologists, historians, ur-ban geographers, spatial planners, cul-tural and financial researchers. Based on this interdisciplinary expertise the team brings crucial input to the task of developing a future scenario for Kon-traktova square and delivers a strong framework for sucessful urban deve-lopment.

The main GOAL of the CITY group is to interact with the architects and give advice in form of expert knowledge. By using a multi-level analysis the team ge-nerates innovative approaches, which challenges the ideas of the architects working process. The CITY group also acts as several voices of the city, which are usually underepresented in plan-ning processes and focuses on aspects that are relevant from their point of view. These voices, combined with the results of the analysis were put in con-crete requests.

During the workshop the CITY group developed an operational tool for a transparent decisionmaking process:a matrix that evaluates the incidence of incorporationof the voices of the city in the design proposal.

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The CITY Group worked by integrating multiple methods: Initially the group brainstormed on the characteristics of a good public space in order to build a common language and mutual understanding on what can be an ideal public spaceThe group also did field research that included: - defining users - voices of the city - and actors- participatory observation (research interventions to the actual urban site)- interviews with users of Kontraktova, experts, municipal representatives- historical analysis- analysis of legal regulation- mapping institutional actors according to their potential of development- microanalysis of local economy (small, medium and large business)- providing data for architects‘ requests- transforming field results into output requests for architects following the methods of SWOT analysis

The SWOT analysis was used to reverse internal weaknesses and external th-reats into strengths and opportunities based on the potential of the area.The City Group formulate output re-quest as a means of interaction with architect professionals.

Finally the city group formulate a mat-rix of evaluation for architects’ projects. The matrix is based on incidence if in-tegration of the output request in the final scenario for future development of Kontraktova designed by the three teams of architect.

HOW WE DO IT

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THE MAGIC OF THE MATRIX

The Matrix works like a magic machine, where you put in the design proposal at one end and you have a solid and proper evalution of it coming out at the other end.

The process that happens in the machi-ne is the following: According to the output requests that have been phrased out of the research results, the proposal is thouroughly analysed. By discussing the various as-pects of it, the CITY team assigns a cer-tain level of intensity to each of the as-pects. How much has it been taken into consideration and how intensive an ef-fect will the proposed solutions have? The result is as complex but precise scheme that shows the strenghts and the weaknesses, the risks and the qua-litites of the proposal. It can than be adjusted or developed further accordingly.

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INCIDENCE OF INCORPORATION OF CITY OUTPUT REQUESTS

Evaluation matrix

Incorporated Incorporate and developped key issue in the proposed scenario

OUTPUT REQUEST

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FIELD OF ACTION

mobility, transport, social integration, physical development, economic development ...

2 3 4VOICES of the CITY

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Fields of Action Voices from the city

1. MOBILITY

6. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

5. CULTURAL POTENTIAL

4. SOCIAL INTEGRATION

2. HERITAGE

3. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

car driverKyiv cyclist – association pedestrian commuter

UNESCOarchaeologisttouristic promoterSave old Kyiv! - association heritage expert

urban development department real estate developer

students local protest groupartists underrepresented citizens

universitycultural institutiontouristlocal residenttourism promoter

mobile sellerkiosk ownergastronomybig international companies

Based on the research, the CITY team defined 6 fields of actions in which the de-mands of diverse voices of the city, the actors involved in the process around the Kontraktova square, are located:

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MOBILITY

WHAT? There is a need for an under-standable and clear regulation of the traffic on the square.

WHO? car driver

WHY? During rush hour there is a high traffic density around the square, especially amongst cars. The different traffic participants and a lack of street signs and road markings cause an un-clear and insecure situation. As a con-sequence car drivers, especially if they are not familiar with the square, don ́t know about the rules and which way to go. This seems to be the most impor-tant reason for congestion.

WHAT? Integrate cyclists in the traffic system in a safe way.

WHO? Kyiv cyclist association

WHY? Cyclists are not integrated in the traffic system. Local authorities thought about establishing bike lanes but there is a lack of knowledge how to implement it.

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MOBILITY

WHAT? Good and barrier-free con-necting pathways have to be provided.

WHO? pedestrian

WHY? A lot of pedestrians with diffe-rent levels of mobility (disabled people, women with buggies, elderly...) cross the square. They take different direc-tions and have different destinations.

WHAT? Clearer regulation for the public transport system.

WHO? commuter

WHY? Kontraktova Square is an im-portant traffic hub. 9 mini-bus lines, 2 busses, 4 trams and a metro-line from different companies are passing the square. Many stations are located all over the square.

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HERITAGE

WHAT? Respect the viewing axis to the Church of St Andrew.

WHO? UNESCO

WHY? St. Andrew is onthe tentative world heritage list.

WHAT? Build an underground archeological museum.

WHO? archaeologist

WHY? To emphasize the historical value of the site, to create a new tou-rist attraction, implicate heritage into citizens everyday life, and to show the results of professional research and ex-cavations.

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HERITAGE

WHAT? Create a connection between Kontraktova square and The World He-ritage Site St. Sophia.

WHO? tourism promoter

WHY? The connection will contribute to a unified image of Kiev and its urban heritage. Tourism is an engine of econo-my that should be taken into account.

WHAT? No new aggressive develop-ment.

WHO? activist from Save old Kyiv

WHY? New development is usually purely profit-orientated, has a ruthless attitude towards the inhabitants, igno-res the existing social structures, and decreases spaces for cultural and social activities. They have no interest in the community and are a threat to it.

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HERITAGE

WHAT? Create a clear identity, strengthen the ensemble, see the square in historical city context as an historical centre.

WHO? heritage expert

WHY? There is no historical ensemble of the square which could lead to more fake historic buildings. The square is odd and irregular, it is lacking clear boundaries. It is not well executed for reasons that can be found in the histo-rical development. It is surrounded by a strong urban pattern – this is a poten-tial. Right now it is an in-between, an indefinite situation and should either be more integrated or disintegrated.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

WHAT? Incorporate new develop-ment in pre-existing urban fabric.

WHO? urban development department

WHY? There is a lot of potential for development in this area and on the square. As it is very highly frequented the city would benefit from it. For a project to be sustainable?, it is better to respect the pre-existing fabric. It has to be integrated in or combined with an existing historic structure.

WHAT? Change or rehabilitate the functions of abandoned buildings and structures that are in municipal or na-tional property. Rehabilitate old struc-tures.

WHO? real estate developer, proper-ty owner, urban development departe-ment

WHY? To attract investments, to change the social landscape of the site, to improve the economic potential of the area.

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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

WHAT? Define spaces for new de-velopment and work out possible re-quests for design and function of new buildings.

WHO? real estate developers

WHY? New development brings tax revenue to the city that need money for other purposes, they also enhance labor and economy.

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SOCIAL INTEGRATION

WHAT? There must be space for communication, which allows interac-tion without disturbing others.

WHO? students

WHY? Students need informal spaces to thrive.

WHAT? We want a green, communi-cative, and open space which is acces-sible for everyone.

WHO? local protest group

WHY? People need a space where to express ones opinion which is essential for democracy.

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SOCIAL INTEGRATION

WHAT? Affordable rooms for stu-dios, space for public performance i.e. transform the guest house.

WHO? artists

WHY? There must be enough space for creativity. Creativity is an engine for economic growth.

WHAT? Adopt a social approach to urban design.

WHO? underrepresented citizens

WHY? The city should be accessible to everyone. Otherwise there is a dan-ger of excluding i.e. disabled and el-derly people from everyday life. Fragile groups of society will be those who pay the price of insensitive planning decis-ions.

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CULTURAL POTENTIAL

WHAT? Improve the connection bet-ween the university, cultural institu-tions and the square.

WHO? university, cultural institu-tions

WHY? The university is a key play-er in the development process of the square. It hosts a museum, a library, an art gallery, and a theatre. But it‘s gates prevent interactions between parts.

WHAT? Improve the framework con-ditions for cultural events.

WHO? cultural institutions, artists

WHY? Over 40 public events occur on Kontraktova square per year which are lacking basic infrastructure (i.e. toilets, garbage disposals).

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CULTURAL POTENTIAL

WHAT? Create orientation facilities.

WHO? tourism promoter, tourist, local resident, cultural institutions

WHY? Tourists and citizens have pro-blems finding the many existing cultu-ral institutions on and around Kontrak-tova square.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WHAT? Provide infrastructure and a well organized garbage removal sys-tem.

WHO? mobile sellers

WHY? Have an area where to sell pro-ducts to commuters and lower income groups that spend their lunch break on Kontraktova square.

WHAT? More events and festivals.

WHO? kiosk owner

WHY? Events will bring clients.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WHAT? Give outside space to cafés for chairs, tables, and umbrellas.

WHO? gastronomy

WHY? Cafés in public space contribu-te in enhancing both a lively atmosphe-re and profit.

WHAT? More tourists, business peo-ple, and big events.

WHO? gastronomy

WHY? Wealthy consumers can provi-de benefit to the whole entertainment area already developed in Sagaydach-nogo Street.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

WHAT? Employees need place for resting during lunchtime and demand parking.

WHO? big company, employee

WHY? Employees look for good wor-king environment.

WHAT? Consider the feasibility of your scenario. Involve the potential stakeholders in the implementation of your design.

WHO? Urban development depart-ment, real estate developers

WHY? Strategic intervention requires investment. The public administrati-on can contribute to boost the project but it can’t cover the whole cost while investor from different sectors (bank, finance insurance institute) can be in-volved in the plan.

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THE COMPLETE MATRIX

Example for a complete matrix according to the proposal of team # 1

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Example for a complete matrix according to the proposal of team # 2

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Example for a complete matrix according to the proposal of team # 3