Memorial to Ukrainian Intelligence Officers

The memorial is situated in a tranquil, green square landscaped with meadow-like grasses curated to reflect the rich diversity of Ukrainian landscapes. Viewed from above, the central sculpture resembles an owl's eye—a key symbol of Ukrainian intelligence. Its pupil is formed by a central granite element inscribed with the word "Eternity" in multiple world languages, honouring the international soldiers who served in Ukrainian intelligence. This element also serves as the designated place for laying flowers for the fallen heroes. On the inner faces of the steles, the names of all intelligence officers fallen in the war with Russia since 2022 are inscribed on plaques shaped like military chevrons. Separate gold plaques honour the names of those awarded 'Hero of Ukraine'—the nation's highest state honour. The intricate relief of the steles evokes the Main Intelligence Directorate' operational reach—"In the sky, on the sea, and on the land"—symbolizing the multifaceted and dynamic nature of intelligence operations. The memorial blends this profound symbolism with minimalist aesthetics, inviting visitors to pause and honour the heroes' memory. Subtle, discreet lighting throughout the space metaphorically references the official motto, "Sapiens Dominabitur Astris" (The wise will rule the stars). At night, this soft illumination transforms into a metaphor for vigilance, symbolizing the heroes' constant, watchful presence.

A key requirement emerged from the client dialogue: an absolute rejection of Soviet monumentalism. It was essential to move beyond obsolete approaches to memorialization and find a new, contemporary language for remembrance. The memorial is situated within the active grounds of a special services agency, a place of daily professional routine. We therefore sought to create a space of profound calm and quiet, one that contrasts with the everyday. It needed to provide an opportunity for an "internal pause"—a moment for introspection, reflection, and memory. This core idea gave rise to the memorial's form. The project is a unique example of synergy between the sculptor, Nazar Bilyk, and the architects, Guess Line Architects, who designed the surrounding space. This collaboration fostered not only the visual form but also the concept of a "practice of memory." The space and circulation paths are meticulously designed to guide visitors from their daily routines into a different state of being—one of reflection, silence, and contemplation. Despite its complexity, the project was completed in under a year, serving as a powerful example of effective collaboration between a state institution and contemporary artists. This experience demonstrates how a new quality of remembrance can be created: one free of pathos, yet full of depth and respect.

A significant challenge was the material selection for the sculpture. Given the complex form and the desire to depart from traditional solutions, fiberglass was chosen. This material not only evokes a sense of technology, echoing the advanced nature of intelligence work, but also allowed us to realize the ambitious design. While this posed technological and fabrication challenges, they were successfully overcome through the professionalism of the manufacturers and builders. For the paving and surrounding hardscaping, Labradorite stone was used. It is a durable, hard-wearing material that requires minimal maintenance and integrates naturally into the landscape. The entire structure is engineered for weather resistance, ease of installation, and long-term performance. Material choices were also guided by ecological responsibility; the use of lighter, modern materials reduced CO₂ emissions during both fabrication and transportation. The landscaping solution emphasizes sustainability and low maintenance. The plantings, featuring ornamental grasses and evergreens, not only harmoniously complement the sculpture but also improve the local microclimate, provide shade, and foster an atmosphere of tranquillity. Instead of the massive forms typical of memorial architecture, this project implements a minimalist and symbolic approach—a concept that balances profound meaning with economic and technological efficiency. The memorial is designed for durability and ease of care. Gentle, non-abrasive cleaning of the fiberglass steles and stone paving will maintain their appearance, while the metal plaques require careful cleaning with a soft cloth and mild soap to protect their finish. The low-maintenance landscape requires only seasonal care, such as cutting back grasses annually. Periodic checks of all lighting fixtures are also recommended to ensure the nighttime illumination effect is preserved.