The UREHERIT project has completed the work of the Architecture Design Competitions (ADC) Working Group, marking an important milestone in strengthening transparent, high-quality architectural procurement for heritage recovery in Ukraine. The full ADC report and supporting materials are now publicly available on the UREHERIT website.
The working group focused on developing practical tools and cooperation mechanisms that support fair, participatory, and sustainable architectural design competitions, particularly in contexts of heritage preservation and post-war recovery.
What the report includes
The completed report brings together three interconnected components:
1. ADC Guideline and Electronic Checklist
At the core of the report is a guideline supported by an electronic self-evaluation checklist, designed for architects, public authorities, and competition organisers. Rather than prescribing rigid rules, the tool helps users reflect on key aspects of competition design — from transparency and stakeholder involvement to legal frameworks and sustainability criteria.
The checklist highlights strengths, potential risks, and areas for improvement, making it a flexible and practical instrument adaptable to different national and local contexts.
2. Strengthening EU–Ukraine Professional Networks
The report documents the integration of Ukrainian architects into the ARCH-E Network, following a cooperation agreement between the UREHERIT and ARCH-E projects signed in 2024. This step enables Ukrainian professionals to connect with colleagues across Europe, form transnational teams, and collaborate on architectural design competitions beyond borders.
3. Pathways toward Future ADC Projects
In addition to guidelines and networking, the report outlines discussions with national development agencies in Austria and Germany, exploring how architectural design competitions could be supported as transparent procurement tools within future EU–Ukraine reconstruction and heritage revitalisation projects.
A collaborative process
The ADC work was led by BKZT – Federal Chamber of Architects and Chartered Engineering Consultants (Austria), in close cooperation with the National Union of Architects of Ukraine and the Federal Chamber of German Architects. The outcomes were shaped through expert workshops, stakeholder consultations in Ukraine, and feedback gathered during UREHERIT CPD activities.
What’s next
The electronic checklist is currently available as a test version and will continue to be refined in dialogue with Ukrainian partners. Once finalised, it is planned to be made accessible through the Architects’ Council of Europe platform, ensuring long-term visibility and use beyond the duration of the UREHERIT project.
Access the full ADC report and materials here.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author (s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
