The park Nad Dzherelom (Above the Source) restored an abandoned natural area for the social integration of internally displaced persons into the local community, while preserving the ecosystem and biodiversity. Nad Dzherelom is part of the Unbroken Mothers complex, which in turn is part of the Unbroken Ecosystem in Lviv, consisting of the best surgery, rehabilitation, housing, job search, sports, and art.
The main objective of the Nad Dzherelom project was to distance itself from the usual standards of natural environment development and to restore the barely healed abandoned quarry landscape and open it to the public. The restored lake is the heart of the park. In addition to its recreational function, it collects rainwater from the surrounding area. Planning decisions and construction work were organised to minimise interference with the established ecosystem.
The topography of the area has not been altered. Playgrounds and sports areas are located on existing flat areas, so as not to disturb the existing topography and to integrate the recreational areas into the vegetation. Paths are made of crushed stone so that the line between “wild” and “tamed” is blurred and depending on the intensity of human use of the paths, nature can absorb part of the cover.
The project shows how an unattractive area has been transformed into an aesthetic space for community regeneration and recreation. This project, which recently wins one of the New European Bauhaus Prizes 2024, also demonstrates how cheap and quick methods can be used to revive abandoned natural areas, make them accessible and reintegrate them into urban life.
