White center - the project for the improvement of the square

Idea projektu

In the heart of Yaroslavl, in front of Building D of YSTU — home to the Institute of Architecture and Design — there existed a space that failed to meet the needs of either education or the urban community. This project aims to transform the area into a contemporary public space where landscape, art, and function are interwoven.

The central concept interprets the site as a living painting, inspired by Mark Rothko’s abstract work White Center. Color here is not merely decorative — it becomes a tool for structuring space and shaping emotional perception. The area is divided into four color zones — pink, white, black, and yellow — each reflecting a distinct mood and botanical composition. This chromatic structure blends seamlessly with the architectural layout, forming a cohesive system of interaction between nature, people, and the city.

Popis projektu

The site layout was developed with careful consideration of pedestrian flows, topography, sunlight exposure, and the diverse needs of students, faculty, locals, and passersby. A key feature is the usable rooftop of a semi-underground parking structure, reimagined as an active public space featuring pink table tennis stations, seating, planting beds, and small architectural elements.

Each color zone is planted with resilient perennials and shrubs, selected according to local climate and light conditions. The plants are arranged in groupings and drifts, giving the space rhythm, seasonality, and a dynamic structure throughout the year.

The functional zones include:
• A table tennis area on the rooftop;
• A relaxation area with benches, swings, and pavilions;
• A kiosk zone with retro-style yellow K67 pavilions offering coffee and pastries;
• Pedestrian paths with diverse surface materials (colored concrete, asphalt, rubber mulch);
• Flower beds and shaded areas for quiet retreat.

The project respects the existing urban fabric while introducing a contemporary and expressive identity. Special attention was paid to sunlight, wind protection, tactile and visual contrast, and urban integration. The result is a multifunctional, inclusive space for dialogue, rest, and informal learning.

Technické informace

The project is located in front of Building D of YSTU, where the Institute of Architecture and Design is based. The site undergoes a comprehensive redevelopment, including the formation of color-themed planting areas, new pedestrian routes, and integrated infrastructure.

All paving structures are designed to support relevant loads. Fire truck routes are constructed atop a reinforced concrete slab with a multi-layer sub-base. Pedestrian paths utilize colored decorative concrete and rubber surfacing, while planting zones are built on geotextile, drainage layers, and filter substrates.

Key engineering solutions include:
• Integrated drainage systems;
• Lighting for pathways and planting zones;
• Water-efficient landscaping adapted to the Central Russian climate.

Seven existing trees in poor condition will be removed, as they obstruct the layout of the underground parking structure and do not align with the project’s spatial logic. They will be replaced with seven maple trees, forming a renewed and coherent green canopy across the site.

The project embodies a synthesis of architecture, landscape, and urban thinking, offering a relevant, sustainable, and expressive solution for contemporary Russian cities.

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