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

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.

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.

• 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

Products

• Furniture
• Drainage/Erosion
• Fences/Gates/Walls
• Irrigation
• Lumber/Decking/Edging
• Parks/Recreation Equipment
• Structures
• Water Management/Amenities
• Soils
• Hardscape
• Lighting