MEMORIAL COMPLEX OF THE HEROES OF UKRAINE

How do we remember? This question laid the foundation of our work on the Memorial project. We believe that collective memory is not etched in monuments but nurtured by the people. Consequently, memorial architecture should transcend physical forms, striving to create spaces where memories are cherished, sustained, and transmitted across generations. Our vision of the memorial takes shape as a garden that embodies care and rejuvenation of the Ukrainian land defended by fallen soldiers. This ever-evolving space, cultivated year-to-year through collaborative tree-planting initiatives with the city's community, families of the fallen warriors, veterans and volunteers. This garden is a symbol of our long-term commitment to remember. Within the garden we recreate Ukrainian landscapes ravaged by russia in the ongoing war. By reintroducing flora from the Red Book of Ukraine, we aim to protect and restore nature, transforming the city into a sanctuary honoring the sacrifices of our defenders. From the steppes to the forests, the terrain where our warriors made their final stand is recreated alongside their resting places. And the steppe, a world apart from Lviv, draws near, uniting those who mourn lost loved ones with those displaced from their homes in these distant landscapes, fostering a shared reverence for the defenders' memory. The idea of living memory is emphasized by the dynamic interplay of elements that animate the memorial's landscape. The flags became the first element embodying this dynamism, their fluttering in the wind and vibrant colors create a unique landscape teeming with vitality inherent in remembrance, which transcends the solemnity of loss. This interplay extends to the movement of water, the rustling of trees, and the transition from bustling streets to the serene ceremonial square, each element symbolizing the delicate balance between life and death, movement and stillness. Rather than relying on monumental grandeur, the architectural essence of the complex lies in its material connection to the battlegrounds. Every edifice within the memorial, from the chapel to the labyrinthine entrance and exhibition spaces, is constructed from soil gathered near the frontline. This rammed earth structure encapsulates remnants of scorched grass, roots, shrapnel fragments, and the palpable essence of fierce battles, serving as a poignant testament to the sacrifices made by the fallen.