Babyn Yar is a complex historical symbol for Kyiv and Ukraine. It became part of world history in the fall of 1941, when nearly 34,000 Kyivan Jews were murdered over two days in one of the largest single Nazi massacres during World War II. As a result of the uncoordinated proliferation of competing monuments and the overall physical neglect of the site (more than 30!), Babyn Yar turned into a chaotic space that does not properly reflect the meaning and significance of the tragic events that transpired here.

The principal goal for the organizers (and thus also for the future entrants of the competition) is to create a comprehensive memory site—the “Babyn Yar—Dorohozhychi Necropolis” memorial park. The objective is to transform what is now a littered woodland park / recreational park into a site conducive to reflection and respect for the victims that lie here. At the same time, this area must remain open to memorialization efforts down the road as a consequence of dialogue and as a result of the cooperation of different communities and parts of the society.

Participants in the competition are expected to be professional architects, landscape architects, and urban planners who have the right to provide professional design services according to the laws of the country where they are based. Design teams headed by a professional architect, landscape architect, or urban planner who have the right to provide professional design services can also participate. Participants may be citizens of any country.

Application deadline March 31, 2016. Submission deadline May 22, 2016.

Authors of 7 best projects will be awarded the following prizes: 17,000 USD; 12,000 USD; 7,000 USD and 4 honourable mentions in the amount of 3,000 USD each. Authors of 7 best projects will also receive an honorarium for submitting materials for the exhibition in the amount of 3,000 USD each.

How to apply.