Kyiv’s Kontraktova Square has seen centuries of trade and community life, but on 5 July 2025, it became something new: a pop-up urban space dedicated to health, connection and hope.
Welcome to TORV, a bold new urban experiment launched by Cities for Better Health and local partners in the heart of Kyiv. Amid the ongoing war, this tactical intervention transforms 6,321 square metres of public space (roughly the size of a football field) into an inclusive hub for movement, mental well-being and social resilience.
TORV, named after the Danish word for "square," honours Kontraktova Square's historical role as a gathering place. Today, it’s not commerce but community that anchors the space. From older residents playing pétanque to children running free in games and sports, and neighbours chatting on benches beneath the shade of trees, TORV is redefining what a city can offer its people, even during wartime.
Tactical urbanism is all about doing more with less, using low-cost, high-impact, community-driven interventions to bring life back into public spaces and improve urban living. These small-scale changes – like temporary parks, pop-up bike lanes, or street furniture – offer a practical and flexible way to support public health and social well-being, especially in cities facing disruption or resource constraints.
TORV builds on this idea at an unprecedented scale. Thought to be the largest tactical urbanism project ever undertaken, not just in Ukraine, but possibly anywhere in the world, TORV transforms a central Kyiv square into a living blueprint for urban resilience.
Its modular, sustainable design is more than smart architecture; it’s a strategy for adaptability. After its two-year run in the Podil neighbourhood, every element of TORV can be relocated, reused, or reimagined, demonstrating how temporary interventions can have a lasting impact, even in the most challenging circumstances.
“We created the world’s largest tactical urbanism project in the most historic square of this proud capital, during a war, for the mental and physical health of Ukrainians,” said Mikael Colville-Andersen, Danish urbanist and lead designer of the space.
The launch day brought the vision to life. Visitors participated in free health screenings, outdoor fitness games and expert talks on nutrition and mental health during crises. An exhibition challenged prevailing myths around obesity and diabetes, encouraging healthier choices grounded in science. The event highlighted how inclusive urban spaces can promote equitable access to health-enhancing activities, even during wartime.
“TORV is the most ambitious health space we’ve supported in Ukraine, and a powerful example of how cities can shape healthier futures,” said Vladyslav Moroz, General Director of Novo Nordisk Ukraine.
Launched under the Cities for Better Health banner, the project is a model of international collaboration. TORV was made possible through the combined efforts of Ukrainian and Danish partners, including the Embassy of Denmark in Ukraine, DIY Ukraine, Ukraine Active, and Novo Nordisk. The Kyiv City Administration and Mayor Vitaliy Klitschko, as well as many passionate volunteers, also played a critical role.
“What makes this support especially meaningful is that it extends beyond government,” said Lars Olaf Søndahl-Petersen, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Denmark. “Danish businesses, civil society, and individuals have come together with Ukrainian partners to create something truly impactful.”
TORV is more than just a pop-up park. It demonstrates how cities can lead on health, even under the most challenging circumstances. Encouraging active travel, energising public life and offering space for mental recovery sends a clear message: public space is public health.
And perhaps, more importantly, TORV offers inspiration beyond Kyiv – a reminder to cities everywhere that when we design for health, we also design for dignity, connection, and hope.
