As a patriotic but stateless Ukrainian at the beginning of the 20th century, Yevhen Konovalets, the military leader of UVO/UON, was dedicated to the idea of a free and independent Ukraine.
The memorial is divided into two sections. The approach section, lined with upturned boulders through existing randomly placed trees, symbolizes the indirect road to independence in the chaos of WWI and in its aftermath. This pathway breaks through to the embodiment of the ideal of independence, as represented in the purity of the circular form of the “Unity Courtyard.” Within the courtyard, a seated bronze figure of young Konovalets ponders the flag of an independent Ukraine achievable only through the unity of all Ukrainians, East and West, as symbolized in the interlocking dovetail pattern of the pavement.
By providing a variety of experiences, gathering places and seating opportunities on the campus of the Lviv Polytechnic University, students as well as passersby on the street will be drawn into the memorial complex to contemplate Yevhen Konovalets’ momentous achievements during a very difficult but seminal time in Ukrainian history.
Location: Lviv, Ukraine
Design Team: The Kurylas Studio / Kaplinska & Bokalo Architects
Sculptor: Vasyl Hohol
Renderings and Model: Kaplinska & Bokalo Architects
Competition Entry