The tell of two squares

Awards

• Winner of the ArchDaily & Strelka Award 2021 in the Public Architecture category

Dyurtyuli, like many small towns in Eastern Europe, is facing the challenge of youth migration to larger cities. Yet, those who have left Dyurtyuli remain deeply attached to their hometown, despite a serious lack of leisure spaces or simply places to meet.

The concept of "home" lies at the heart of the local culture. The very name "Dyurtyuli" translates from Tatar as "four houses". The project aims to create an open space for dialogue that preserves this traditional sense of home within a new urban environment.

Two squares — connected center

The project involved renovating two squares connected by the main avenue, establishing two key hubs in the city center and launching a long-term strategy for urban transformation. The first square, developed through the repurposing of an industrial site, created a vibrant public space for young people. The second, the central square, was redesigned to foster dialogue and collective action between the administration and local residents.

Sports square

The former brewery site has become a place for sports and cultural activities aimed at young people. It now features a new public park with a stage, an amphitheater, and sports grounds, as well as a pavilion dedicated to the activities of local cultural associations. The main brewery building is set to be renovated into an incubator for urban projects. The northern part of the site will also be redeveloped through private investment, including the creation of commercial spaces.

Central square

The central square has been transformed into a true urban agora. We preserved the historical character of the site and the viewpoints cherished by residents while making the space more comfortable and multifunctional. An amphitheater was built into a natural elevation, and a nearby pavilion was installed to encourage open dialogue between the administration and citizens while offering an exhibition space. This pavilion is paired with a canopy that hosts small events, social gatherings, and tables for board games and chess — a very popular pastime in the city.

Street art festival

As part of the citizen engagement process, we organized Dyurtyuli's first winter urban art festival. Regional artists were invited to help participants create portraits of themselves in the future, which were later displayed in public spaces. This festival laid the groundwork for long-term collaboration with artists and cultural associations in animating the city’s two main squares.