Irpin’s ‘Road of Life’ Shortlisted for International Architecture Award

An Irpin-based art installation has been shortlisted for a biannual global architectural award, announced last week.

The ‘Road of Life’ is an art piece within the Romanisky Road Bridge, which was intentionally destroyed back in 2022 by Ukrainian forces to prevent Russian advancement. It consists of multiple illuminated lines of red thread woven between fragments of the ruined bridge.

The installation, which was unveiled in 2024, will join other artistic pieces at the Media Architectural Biennale (MAB) award ceremony later this year.

The bridge has come to symbolise the horrors experienced by Ukrainians during the ongoing Russian invasion, but also continuing Ukrainian strength and resilience.

“In Irpin, it’s impossible not to know about it. The Road of Life has become part of who we are as a city,” one resident, Iryan Khomenko, outlined.

Irpin was the site of the Russian offensive in the early months of the 2022 invasion. The nearby town of Bucha made international headlines after Russian troops tortured and massacred civilians.

For Khomenko, “The Road of Life carries an overwhelming sense of tragedy and strength. This place makes you stop and feel, it reminds you how much people endured and how strong they were in those moments.”

Although she also described the installation as a reminder of the ongoing conflict in the country.

“It feels very real and close, not something from the past, but something that continues to shape who we are.”

Residents of Irpin acknowledged the installation’s importance for future generations. For many in Irpin, the site is a reminder of Russian aggression and war crimes.

“The main purpose of this installation was not only for the current population of the city, but for all future generations to remind them what happened in Irpin”, Pyrch Yelyzaveta, another Irpin resident, described.”

The MAB is an international award that recognises transformative projects intersecting art and architecture.

The residents of Irpin were happy to hear about the nomination. “I am very proud that this place and its story are being recognised beyond Ukraine. The nomination means the world sees and acknowledges the horrific things Russia has done,” Khomenko said.

Yelyzaveta added, “It deserves its place [at the award ceremony]. The installation is both meaningful, important and beautiful.”

The MAB award is celebrated every two years, and the host location rotates for each ceremony. This year’s ceremony will take place on 22^nd November in Bangkok.