You won't recognize the area around Victory Square. A pedestrian street and an unusual tram will appear there.

How the new street will change this part of central Minsk, what will appear along the route, and why a tram made of Corten steel will become one of its main landmarks, writes Realt.

A New Route Through the Center

Today, the area between Kisyalyova Street, Masherova Avenue, and Chyrvonaya Street is perceived as a separate urban fragment that pedestrians have to bypass. After the completion of DEPO's construction, it will be possible to walk straight through the quarter here.

The pedestrian street will extend the urban planning axis of Kozlova Street and connect it with Chyrvonaya Street and the tower of the former radio factory. For the city, this means the appearance of an additional pedestrian connection in the center, and for the Victory Square area — a new urban space.

The street will be 307 meters long. The pedestrian line will run at a 45-degree angle to Masherova Avenue. The BRILL houses in the DEPO quarter are located at the same angle in relation to the "Stalinist" development. This solution gives the quarter's composition integrity and belongs to the author of DEPO — architect Sergey Skuratov.

Not Just a Road from Point "A" to Point "B"

However, the purpose of the new street is not limited to the ability to quickly pass through the quarter.

Along it will be cafes and restaurants, shops and boutiques, educational and medical spaces, wellness and lifestyle services. Because of this, the street is intended to function as an independent public space where one can spend time, meet friends, or combine a walk with everyday errands.

Павялічыць

The Tracks of the Former Depot Will Remain in Place

Historical context plays a special role here. Since 1929, the first Minsk tram depot operated in this territory, and a part of its legacy has been decided to be integrated.

And of course, the most noticeable reminder of the place's past will be the art object that will appear in the final part of the pedestrian street.

Павялічыць

A full-size tram-shaped art object will be installed in DEPO. Alexey Kozyr's architectural workshop was involved in the project development.

This is not a reconstruction of a specific historical tram car. The authors are creating a collective image of Minsk trams from the 1920s-1930s, preserving the proportions and characteristic details of the transport of that era.

The art object will be made of Corten steel. This is a durable material that changes interestingly over time.

Павялічыць

According to preliminary estimates, the production of the structure will take about six months. The tram will be created in separate sections and finally assembled within the quarter.

Another unusual part of the route is a bridge that passes through the TATRA 4 building. From it, an additional perspective on the central square of the quarter will open up. However, to maintain privacy, the bridge will only be accessible to residents of the quarter.

Павялічыць

The original tram tracks will be preserved in the paving of the pedestrian street. In the central part of the route, they will intersect, forming a sign resembling the DEPO logo.

One of the restaurants will be located in a building whose architectural image refers to the tram wash that previously existed here. A water feature will appear nearby: in summer, it will function as a pond, and in the colder months, it can transform into a space for art installations and other projects.

Павялічыць

Soon, the territory of the former depot will once again become part of an urban route — but now a pedestrian one. And the tram, which was once a part of the everyday life of this place, will return here in a new capacity — as its new urban symbol.

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