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ArchObraz

ArchObraz

Dnetropetrovsk, UA

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Cube Building

In the early 20th century, large quarters in the central part of Dnipro were often developed with small residential houses and auxiliary structures. Forming a dense building perimeter that aligns with the scale of urban spaces in the historical center remains pertinent in 21st-century cities.

The new cubic building integrates into the historical context with consideration for the further development of the quarter. Its height of 20 meters adheres to the modern height standards for buildings in the historical center. The solid end walls allow for potential future perimeter development along the street.

The sidewalk along the building is designed for multifunctional use: comfortable passage, parking organization according to municipal regulations for the street, planting new trees, and the potential setup of a summer café along the main facade.

The minimalist square of the building’s main facade (20x20 m) features window openings that resonate with the variety of windows in the surrounding architectural environment. Modern dark brown brick contrasts with the white silicate brick of Soviet-era residential sections and is reminiscent of nearby buildings' old red clay bricks.

The completion of the building coincided with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, ongoing military actions, and numerous power outages in the city. With electricity unavailable, staircases became the only means of communication between floors. To provide moral support to the residents, the building's stairs were adorned with artworks — illustrations from Andriy Vorkola's book 26 Samov and One Blue Kitten.

 
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Status: Built
Location: Dnipropetrovsk, UA
Firm Role: Architects
Additional Credits: Architects: Oleksii Obraztsov, Tetiana Kuzhelna, Daria Mamzelova, Antonina Obraztsova, Valerii Faizulin, Kostyantin Busargin
Photos: Andrey Avdeenko