Within the Azovstal iron and steel works in Mariupol, rises a symbol of hope. This project, born from tragedy, represents the invincible human spirit that emerges from ruins. With its dynamic design and connection to the sky, it serves as a testament to the strength and resilience of the Ukrainian people. It is located in the center of what remained from the last battlefield- the fortress within the city where thousands of people took refuge for months while in siege by the Russian army.
Project Name: The victory of the spirit- Azovstal, Mariupol- Ukraine
Architecture Firm: Moshe Katz Architect
Website: www.moshekatz.net
Project location: Azovstal iron and steel works in Mariupol- Ukraine
Gross Built Area: 100,000 sqm
Tools used: autocad/ rhinio 3d/ 3d max/
Principal Architects: Moshe Katz Architect
Visualization: Wemage CGI
Built area: 100,000 sqm
Site area: 3,000,000 sqm
Design year: 2023
Status: unbuilt/ preliminary design/ Conceptual Prposal
Typology: Museum/ Expo/ Urban design/ Urban development/ Commercial/ Eco and green architecture & Urbanism/ Landscape architecture
This project is designed to express the inspiration- with a dynamic building opening up toward the sky. It symbolizes the rebirth and motion that emerge from the outcome of conflict. Its transparent and light-filled structure- reflects and inspires its surroundings, capturing the fragile yet powerful spirit within all of us.
The main building serves as a museum of inspiration for the human spirit. The surrounding park is a memorial honoring those affected by the war, while the rest of the old factory has been transformed into an expo space, showcasing innovation, creativity, and the local culture, design, and cuisine.
The new life that emerges from the vivid and changing nature – each lost Ukrainian soul is honored with a yellow Buttercup tree, symbolizing the national flag color and the life-giving power of sunlight. Meanwhile, a large water pool connects heaven and earth, providing a source of life for the whole city as an underwater harvesting plant.
A grand waterfall burst forth from the building, creating a “river of life” that flows through the main boulevard, connecting all paths and demonstrating the dynamic flow of human existence. The building itself is a flourishing ecosystem, with local fauna growing on its rooftop, symbolizing the strength and growth of local culture and how the forces of life always take over eventually with ever-changing colors and shapes.
The materials as Iron and steel, pushed to their limits, are the project’s primary building stones. The structure almost falling apart by the architectural morphology of both parts of the building, however, Light steel cables hold it all together, representing the invisible bond that unites the Ukrainian people in their hope for a better future. The project embodies the courage to challenge the odds and overcome life’s obstacles.
The facade’s innovative solar panels enable the storage of energy, further enhancing its sustainability.
In collaboration with WEMAGE CGI, a local Ukraine office, we have poured our hearts, minds, and souls into this project. Within this conceptual proposition, we tried to express wishes for the end of the war and the beginning of a new, stronger life, more beautiful than ever before.
