Platinum Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025

Improvement of Hrodna’s Riverside

Landscape

Coastal & Waterfront Landscape Design

Concept / Professional Category

Architect / Designer:

Viktar Varabei

Studio:

Design Team:

Copyright:

Viktar Varabei

Country:

Belarus

Architectural Concept for the Redevelopment of the Hrodna Riverfront

The primary idea behind the concept is to create an open, fundamentally new space within the boundaries of the old city.

One of the key points of the riverfront is the area where the flows of tourists and local residents intersect. It is located between the Old Castle and the Kalozha Church, where the Haradnichanka River flows into the Neman River. Currently, this place lacks any infrastructure and is a wild shoreline along both the road and pedestrian pathways.

The central element of the concept is a pedestrian bridge that connects the banks and divides the space into two tiers: quiet and active zones. The bridge will create a multi-level, intricately interwoven space with viewing platforms offering the most scenic panoramas of the historic city center.

A more inviting alternative to the elevated bridge is the terraced steps along the riverbank, where visitors can relax and take in the views of the river and the city. Access to the water will be facilitated by both stairs and ramps, ensuring it is accessible to everyone, including those with limited mobility.

Founded in 2015 in Grodno, IS is an architectural studio that builds its practice at the intersection of spatial design, community engagement, and a multidisciplinary approach. At the core of its work is the integration of architecture into everyday life, enabling solutions that reflect the specific needs of both place and people. IS is recognized for its approach to design that fosters meaningful connections between individuals and their environments. The team combines engineering precision, sustainable principles, and direct dialogue with communities to deliver adaptive solutions that evolve alongside their context and time.