In Kharkiv, part of the park on Universytetska Street is undergoing a major redesign, with a striking new installation at its heart – a giant sculptural campfire. While city officials say the works are necessary, some residents and urban design experts have questioned both the concept and its execution.
According to the city council, the reconstruction follows a landslide caused by Russian shelling, which destabilized the slope. To address this, workers have reinforced the hillside with piles and are building a “relief platform” to reduce pressure on the terrain. The project also includes a new drainage system – a crucial addition for this historic part of Kharkiv, which lacks a stormwater network.
The centerpiece will be a large “bonfire” made from metal rods on a platform designed to resemble a water surface, with real gas flames flickering from within. Surrounding it, an amphitheater-style seating area will invite visitors to gather. The city aims to complete the work by August 23, in time for City Day celebrations.
Critics, however, point out that the installation appears to be a near copy of a U.S. design sold by a company that manufactures similar “Cossack bonfires” found along America’s coastlines. The resemblance has fueled debate about originality, cultural relevance, and whether the fiery spectacle fits the historic character of the neighborhood.
