Sverdlov Square is a public space in the center of Nizhny Novgorod, located at the intersection of Bolshaya Pokrovskaya, Oktyabrskaya, and Alekseevskaya Street, in Nizhegorodsky District. The square has existed since at least the 19th century[2] and today forms part of the walking route along the city's main pedestrian street. In the 2020s, large-scale improvements were carried out on the site as part of preparations for the 800th anniversary of Nizhny Novgorod.

History and Condition Before Reconstruction

According to Darya Shorina, director of the ANO "Ogorod," the square has historically existed since the 19th century and, despite being located in the heart of the city's most visited street, long failed to realize its potential.[2] Before the improvements, the area lacked almost any infrastructure, the lighting needed replacing, and the land behind the Mercure hotel, which opened in 2018, remained a wasteland.[1] Café terraces faced the empty lot, tram passengers had to wait on a narrow pavement, and the square itself contained only a few bent benches and a standard children's playground.[4] On weekends, however, it traditionally hosted a flea market run by antique collectors.[1]

In 2016, ANO "Ogorod" presented a comprehensive redevelopment concept for the square to the City Duma's ecology commission. The plan divided the site into eight functional zones, including a children's playground, a sports area, and small architectural art installations. The project was estimated to cost 10 million rubles in off-budget funds, with completion planned for 2017.[2] Nizhegorodsky District head Igor Sogin defined the concept as creating a space for young people aged 14 and above.[2]

Reconstruction for the City's 800th Anniversary

By 2020, the original ANO "Ogorod" concept had been significantly expanded: the plot behind the hotel was added to the project area. At the same time, the design was being developed in collaboration with the Moscow design bureau KB Strelka. The final concept was prepared by the Institute for Urban Environment Development of Nizhny Novgorod Region (IRGSNО).[1]

The project by IRGSNO architect Dmitry Baranov envisioned the creation of an alternative pedestrian route to Oktyabrskaya Street, with an emphasis on the landscape's distinctive features. The central hill of the site was planned as a picnic area in summer and a sledding hill in winter. The changes in relief were to be incorporated as amphitheaters with canopies and wooden decking; next to one of them — a multifunctional stage connecting the upper and lower platforms. On the vacant lot behind the hotel, a cluster of red tubular house-shaped frames was conceived — as a reminder of the former wooden buildings — along with a "living room" for relaxation featuring chairs, a floor lamp, and a bookcase for bookcrossing, as well as a metal "carpet" with decorative patterns. In one corner — an acoustic tube connected to another part of the square: one can speak into it and hear a reply from the other end.[1] A dedicated space was also set aside for a traditional flea market.[4]

The first phase of the improvement project included new paving, lighting, landscaping, seating areas, a convenient tram stop, and an updated play area.[4] Based on results for 2020, the magazine Afisha included Sverdlov Square in the top 10 new public spaces in Russia.[4]

The ceremonial opening of the second phase of improvements took place on 1 May 2023. The IRGSNO team led residents on a guided tour of the updated space, sharing the history of the square and the development of its concept. The opening program included DJ performances, badminton and table tennis courts, yoga sessions, workshops, and a market.[3]

Links

Sources

  1. GIPERNN — Final concept for the improvement of Sverdlov Square in Nizhny Novgorod by 2021
  2. V Gorode N — Sverdlov Square on Bolshaya Pokrovskaya is to be improved
  3. Nizhegorodskaya Pravda — The renovated Sverdlov Square was presented to Nizhny Novgorod residents on 1 May 2023
  4. irgsno.ru — Improvement of Sverdlov Square — Nizhny Novgorod — Projects — IRGSNO