On September 28–29 and October 4–5, 2024, Urban Forums were held in Zhytomyr, Ukraine, organized by the Estonian Association of Architects as part of the joint European and Ukrainian architectural project “UREHERIT: Architects for Heritage in Ukraine – Reconstructing Identity and Memory.”
UREHERIT is a cultural project focused on developing competencies in heritage preservation and revitalizing culturally significant sites and projects in Ukraine. Through the urban forums, international collaboration seeks solutions to challenges related to preserving, redefining, and enhancing Ukrainian national and local cultural identity.
“In these challenging and rapidly changing times, it’s especially important to integrate broad democratic decision-making mechanisms into spatial planning. It’s no secret that various stakeholders—city administrations, specialists, politicians, developers, and users—often see spatial issues differently. The urban forums foster balanced dialogue and serve as neutral ground where no party has a position of power,” said Ülar Mark, an Estonian organizer of the forum.
“The broader goal of the forums is to encourage local communities in Ukraine to build a new, democratic, and sustainable country. Our architects contribute by sharing expertise and experience in architecture and international collaboration,” added Aet Ader, President of the Estonian Association of Architects.
In Zhytomyr, forum participants explored new ideas for two problematic urban areas: the area surrounding the “Kosmos” cinema and the Sokolovski Quarry. The cinema has stood empty since 2006, creating various issues, while the quarry is popular for swimming and diving but lacks essential and safe infrastructure.
Experts from Estonia, Ukraine, and the Netherlands examined the social and architectural significance of the “Kosmos” cinema, which until 2006 hosted film screenings, discos, and events. Workgroups developed proposals to redesign the building and surrounding area as a modern, accessible public space that meets residents’ needs, fosters social cohesion, and improves safety. The cinema, it was agreed, has the potential to become a hub for cultural and social initiatives that support the city’s and community’s post-war recovery.
(Marjo van Schaik, Iryna Shevchenk, Kateryna Serdyuk, Artem Frediuk, Olga Yevmenchuk, Helina Niitvähi, Mae Köömnemägi)
The proposed solutions emphasized the need for quality, free public spaces, aligning with the Estonian “Good Public Space” program, where improvements in public space quality have increased the surrounding area’s value and property prices. Suggestions included repurposing the cinema as an arts and learning center, formatted like a modern library. Multifunctional shelters were also discussed, offering various activities during emergencies.
(Lembit-Kaur Stöör, Siim Tanel Tõnisson, Pavel Voskoboynikov, Smytro Sydorenko, Anastasiia Dzhalenko)
The second forum focused on the unique natural site of Sokolovski Quarry in Zhytomyr’s outskirts. Participants analyzed the needs and interests of different visitor groups, from locals and tourists to divers. Working groups explored the possibility of developing safe infrastructure that caters to diverse users while preserving the area’s natural beauty. Ideas ranged from modest step-by-step solutions to islands and floating pathways. Floating saunas were also part of the dream!
(Siim Tanel Tõnisson, Рената Сейфулліна, Карина Обраменко, Mariia Ufimtseva, Kaur-Lembit Stöör, Катерина Сердюк)
The ideas from the five discussion groups will be consolidated and presented to Zhytomyr’s city administration for future action.
(Karin Bachmann, Павло Воскобойніков, Микола Онищук, Орина Янович, Ülar Mark)
Participants from Estonia included organizers Mae Köömnemägi, Ülar Mark, Mariia Ufimtseva, and Aet Ader, and group leaders Mari Rass, Lembit-Kaur Stöör, Helina Niitvähi, Siim Tanel Tõnisson, and Ra Martin Puhkan. Landscape architect Karin Bachmann joined for the second forum. Local and foreign team leads also included Marjo van Schaik, Daryna Pasyuta, Mariana Kuzemska-Danyliuk and Inna Dobrovolskaya.
“The urban forums play an important role in revitalizing neglected urban spaces, enhancing the quality of spatial discussions, and strengthening cross-sectoral cooperation. The format has proven successful in solving spatial issues in Estonia, and we can be most helpful in Ukraine by sharing our experiences,” said forum leader Mae Köömnemägi.
The goal of the forums is to create a platform connecting local politicians, architects, developers, entrepreneurs, state representatives, and the local community to discuss urban planning challenges, strengthen trust among participants, and develop joint proposals for urban area development. Participants included city residents, architects, urban planners, activists, artists, architecture students, and all those interested in reviving urban spaces and preserving Ukraine’s heritage.
The Urban Forums were organized by the Estonian Association of Architects and Ro3kvit Urban Coalition for Ukraine in collaboration with the city of Zhytomyr. The forums are funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe program as part of the international cultural project “UREHERIT,” which runs until April 2026 and includes four urban forums in Ukraine. EAL has sought additional funding from other sources for the forums.
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.
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Contacts: info@ureherit.eu; media@ureherit.eu
