Living Way The river in the city. Answers to frequently asked questions

Vision of the project

The aim of the project was to challenge the misconception of a river (or other water body) in a settlement as merely a resource for life support, instead fostering a sustainable understanding of its uniqueness. The project sought to highlight the integral role of water bodies in the development of a city and to emphasise the importance of considering and showcasing their unique features in urban planning and design.

The project consisted of a series of public seminars designed to provide expert assessments and stimulate broad discussions about the community use of the shoreline and coastal area of the Psel River. These seminars aimed to systematise the data obtained and create a vision for a general strategy to bring the relationship between the city and the river into a harmonious state.

The research and conclusions developed during the workshops were compiled into a visual methodological guide (in electronic format) for communities interested in improving the condition of water bodies in their areas. The recommendations in the manual were tested by creating a design project for one specific location along the Psel River shoreline within the city, providing a practical example of how to apply the developed strategies.

Meet the Key Partner

The School of Architecture and Design was launched in 2017. On February 24, 2022, we were forced to close, but resumed our work in September 2023. The curriculum of our school provides step-by-step preparation of future architects and urbanists for adulthood and professional activities.

During the school's courses, children acquire design thinking skills and develop their own projects using computer programs. At presentations, they demonstrate their 3D visualizations and learn to defend their position by communicating with experts.

The projects developed by the School's students, which relate to specific locations in the city of Sumy, participated in competitions initiated by the Sumy City Council.  In 2021, the School of Architecture and Design's Rural Urbanism project was supported by the European Union and the Goethe-Institut under the House of Europe program. We received and implemented a grant for projects for creative youth.

Start Date: Dec. 1, 2023
End Date: May 31, 2024