Izyum Recovery – Izyum Recovery Project

The Izyum Recovery initiative has been officially included in the Izyum City Community Development Strategy, as well as the Goals and Objectives of the Izyum City Community Strategy. This marks a significant step toward the structured and transparent rebuilding of the city.

Currently, the team of the newly established NGO “Izyum Recovery”, in collaboration with an agreed working group—including representatives of the city administration and the local community—is finalizing all the components developed over the past quarter. These efforts are being prepared for submission to DREAM.gov, the digital ecosystem for accountable recovery management.

This integration ensures that Izyum’s restoration follows a well-defined strategic framework, aligning with national recovery efforts and fostering community involvement in decision-making.

For more details, you can access the Izyum City Community Development Strategy document [here].

Goals and Objectives of the Izyum City Community Strategy [here].

A Tale of Two Visions: How Izyum’s Future Transformed

The city of Izyum, like many Ukrainian communities, has faced unprecedented challenges due to the full-scale war and occupation. However, its vision for the future has remained strong, evolving from a peaceful hub of tourism and industry to a resilient leader navigating the complexities of war and recovery. Below, we explore how Izyum’s vision has transformed by comparing the pre-war and during-war perspectives.

Izyum’s Vision Before the Full-Scale War

Before the war, Izyum’s strategic vision focused on its natural beauty, industrial heritage, and tourism potential. The community envisioned the city as:

🌿 A Health Resort & Tourism Center – A destination for green tourism and nature conservation.

🏭 An Industrial Center – Recognized for its unique production of optics and devices.

💰 An Investment-Friendly City – Attracting businesses and fostering economic growth.

🎨 A Handicrafts & Cultural Center – Showcasing local creativity and traditional craftsmanship.

This vision reflected stability, long-term development, and economic growth through tourism and specialized industries.

Izyum’s Vision During War & Occupation

The war has profoundly reshaped the way the community sees its future. Today, Izyum’s vision is more dynamic, resilient, and forward-looking, positioning itself as:

🌍 A Treasure Trove of Natural Resources & Human Capital – A city that values both its environmental and human potential.

🏗 A Leader in Eastern Ukraine’s War-Time Recovery – Taking an active role in rebuilding while navigating ongoing challenges.

💡 A Hub for Creative Self-Realization & Innovation – Empowering individuals to develop and succeed despite adversity.

📈 A Thriving Business Community – Supporting entrepreneurs and attracting new industries.

A Smart City in the Making – Moving towards technology-driven urban development and digital transformation.

This vision reflects resilience, adaptability, and the determination to rebuild Izyum into a modern and prosperous community while the war continues.

Key Similarities & Differences

Common Goals That Persist

✅ Economic Growth & Investment – Both visions prioritize Izyum’s economic potential, though the focus has shifted from tourism to recovery-driven business opportunities.

✅ Natural & Cultural Heritage – The importance of Izyum’s resources and unique identity remains central to its vision.

✅ Innovation & Uniqueness – The city continues to emphasize its distinct strengths, whether in optics production before the war or in human capital and Smart City ambitions today.

How the Vision Has Evolved

🔹 From Tourism to Recovery & Innovation – The focus has shifted from attracting tourists to leading reconstruction efforts and fostering innovation.

From Traditional Industry to Human Capital & Technology – The new vision highlights entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and creativity.

🔹 From Stability to Resilience – Izyum’s transformation reflects the strength of its people and their ability to adapt in the face of hardship.

A City Ready to Lead

Izyum’s vision has been profoundly transformed by the realities of war and the resilience of its people. Once a city focused on tourism, industry and investment, it now aims to become a symbol of recovery, human potential and technological progress.

Despite the challenges, Izyum is not just planning to rebuild – it is reinventing itself as a leader in the post-war recovery of Eastern Ukraine. With a strong community-oriented vision and a commitment to innovation, the city is on its way to becoming a ‘Smart Izyum City Community’ – a community that thrives on creativity, opportunity and resilience.

Stay Connected

Speakers :

1. Faculty of Philosophy, Institute for Eastern European History and Regional Studies, Director Prof. Dr Klaus Gestwa

2. German – Ukrainian Society Trier, President Mr. Tobias Schneider

3. Сurator of the IZYUM_Recovery project, head of NGO ‘Izyum Recovery`, architect & innovative manager in LLC`ACC`PORTAL-21’

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Orginizer: Slavic Seminar & Institute for Eastern European and Regional Studies (series `Brennpunkt Ukraine’) . _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The project is being implemented by “ACC” PORTAL-21” LLC, ARCHITEKTENWERKGRUPPE and co-financed by the ZMINA: Rebuilding programme, established with the support of the European Union as part of a special call for proposals to support Ukrainian IDPs and the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors, with the support of the IZOLYATSIA International Charitable Foundation, Trans Europe Halles and Malý Berlín.

Speakers – 1. Faculty of Philosophy. Professor of Slavic Literature and Cultural Stadies, Dr. Shamma Shahadat 2. Faculty of Philosophy, Institute for Eastern European History and Regional Studies, Director Prof. Dr Klaus Gestwa

Part 1:

Part 2:

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Orginizer: Slavic Seminar & Institute for Eastern European and Regional Studies (series `Brennpunkt Ukraine’) . _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________The project is being implemented by “ACC” PORTAL-21” LLC, ARCHITEKTENWERKGRUPPE and co-financed by the ZMINA: Rebuilding programme, established with the support of the European Union as part of a special call for proposals to support Ukrainian IDPs and the Ukrainian cultural and creative sectors, with the support of the IZOLYATSIA International Charitable Foundation, Trans Europe Halles and Malý Berlín.

We are pleased to announce an upcoming round table event in Tübingen, bringing together architects, urban planners, and key stakeholders to discuss the future of the “Izyum Recovery” project. This event will be an invaluable opportunity to exchange ideas, strategies, and insights on the challenges and potential solutions for revitalizing Izyum, Ukraine.

The round table will be hosted in the office of our German partners, ARCHITEKTENWERKGRUPPE, who have generously provided the space for this important gathering. The event aims to foster collaboration and engage experts in meaningful dialogue to shape the next steps in Izyum’s recovery and sustainable urban redevelopment.

Event Details:

REGISTRATION LINK – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfap-vkr565XkxEgdx40kaDjRgxYGsu5Q6N64b_udYVGGfr4w/viewform?usp=sf_link

Location: ARCHITEKTENWERKGRUPPE Office, Tübingen, Germany
Purpose: Collaborative discussion on strategies and innovations for Izyum’s reconstruction
Registration:
Participation is open to interested professionals and stakeholders, but spaces are limited. Please register through the official Izyum Recovery project website to secure your spot.

Join us for a collaborative discussion dedicated to rebuilding and reimagining Izyum’s future!

REGISTRATION LINK – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScbGyUPj5qCVhbl3t8toLqXaBXMSul5WvXG9WQSMfLBLZnHXg/viewform?usp=sf_link

– Organiser:
Slavic Seminar & Institute for Eastern European History and Regional Studies (series ‘Brennpunkt Ukraine’)
– Exhibition:
Silchersaal Museum, Wilhelmstraße 3, Tübingen 16 October from 15:00 to approx. 17:30
– Venue:
Altes Oberschulamt (AOS), Keplerstr. 2, Room 001
– Date & time:
Wednesday, 16 October 2024, 18.15 – 20.00 CET
– Speakers:
18:15 – 18:22
Faculty of Philosophy, Professor of Slavic Literature and Cultural Studies, Dr Shamma
Shahadat
18:22 – 18:35
Faculty of Philosophy, Institute for Eastern European History and Regional Studies, Director
Prof. Dr Klaus Gestwa
18:35 – 18:50
German-Ukrainian Society Trier, President Mr Tobias Schneider
18:50 – 19:05
Questions and discussion

19:05 – 19:25

Curator of urban & Community project , architect from Ukraine Ms Anastasia Gulak
19:35 – 19:50 Architektenwerkgruppe, Mr Andres Garcia Elzel and Mr Günter Rettenmeier
19:50 – 20:00 Questions and discussion
– Conclusion:
Silchersaal Museum, Wihelmstraße 3 / Tubingen, from approx. 20:15 hrs

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Interactive exhibition “Izyum Recovery”

as an example of an adaptive approach to the revitalisation of Ukrainian cities and communities with a population of less than 100,000 people.

Date of the event: 01-02 October 2024, with the opening day on 01 October.

We sincerely invite all conscious citizens of Izyum and Kharkiv who are interested in the fate of our cities to continue the dialogue we started in May this year on the restoration of a residential neighbourhood in the central part of Izyum. We will be happy to present you the work our team has been doing since then, including the development of a master plan for the neighbourhood, individual residential buildings, the private sector and the Hub of Recovery . We would also like to share with you the insights of the project and discuss our next steps together!

The event will be held offline in Kharkiv, as well as online on the ZOOM platform with a live broadcast on YouTube / live broadcast will be available only to registered participants /.

Registration for the event is mandatory, registered participants will receive details of the event by personal email. Or by phone.

Registration form – follow the link

Detailed programme of the event – download here

In the structure of our cities, certain spaces are of great importance – they are not just physical locations, but living monuments that preserve the stories of the people who use them. Memorials, community centres, nature reserves play a crucial role in preserving history, building community, and creating spaces for healing and connection. Importantly, these places are most effective and meaningful when they are created and managed by the communities they serve, with inspiration and support from the outside.

Alternative public memorials: Spaces of living memory

A growing trend in urban design is the creation of alternative public spaces that serve as living memorials. These spaces are intended not only to commemorate those who have died in wars, struggles for freedom, or natural disasters, but also to provide a place for reflection, healing, and public gatherings.

Memorial to the abolition of slavery Nantes (France), 2011, source of the photo – https://www.publicspace.org/works/-/project/g290-memorial-de-l-abolition-de-l-esclavage

One striking example of such a space is the **Memorial to the Abolition of Slavery** in Nantes, France. This site is more than just a place of remembrance; it is an interactive public space where people can walk along a path lined with the names of slave ships, abolitionists and historical events. The memorial invites visitors to engage with history on a personal level, fostering a deeper understanding of the struggle for freedom and human dignity.

The French Quarter also has such special places.

French Quarter, source – from archive of NGO ‘IZYUM_Recovery”

The term ‘deserters’ was used to describe soldiers or civilians who refused to continue their participation in the war for various reasons, whether due to moral objections, fear, or deep disagreement with the regime’s ideology. Their execution in this part of Tübingen serves as a stark reminder of the brutal measures taken by the Nazis to maintain control and suppress dissent.Today, the French Quarter has become a vibrant neighbourhood, but the memory of these tragic events remains, offering a place of reflection to those who visit. This wasteland stands as a solemn monument to the courage of those who defied the oppressive forces of their time, paying the ultimate price for their beliefs. It is a place that encourages visitors to remember the past, honour the victims and reflect on the cost of standing up to tyranny.

Another example is the Stolperstein project, which is being implemented across

Europe. Small brass plaques embedded in sidewalks mark the lastknown places of residence of Holocaust victims. These simple, decentralised memorials remind passers-by of the lives lost in their neighbourhoods, keeping history alive in a subtle yet profound way.

Public spaces: Recovery and communication centres

In addition to memorials, other types of public spaces are important for building and sustaining community. These include community gardens, public squares, and city parks, which are designed as centres for recovery, recreation, and social interaction. These spaces offer more than just a place to spend time – they become the heart of the community, where people can come together to share experiences, support each other and build stronger bonds.

For example, **The High Line** in New York City, a former elevated railway converted into a linear park, serves as a vibrant public space where locals and visitors can enjoy art installations, greenery and breathtaking views of the city. This project, realised through community engagement and innovative urban design, transformed a derelict building into a thriving public space that fosters social interaction and a deeper connection to the urban environment.

The source of the photo – https://www.learningwithexperts.com/gardening/blog/the-history-of-high-line

The sourse of the photo – wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Line

Similarly, **The Healing Fields** in the United States are temporary installations of thousands of American flags, each representing a victim of a tragedy such as 9/11 or a natural disaster. These fields serve as temporary memorials where people can come together to mourn, reflect and support each other in times of crisis.

The importance of public initiatives

the source of the photo-https://www.healingfield.org/events/list/

The true strength of these spaces is that they are shaped and developed by the communities they serve. When local people take the lead in creating and maintaining these spaces, the result is a more authentic and relevant environment.

the source https://www.healingfield.org/events/list/

Local authorities ensure that the needs and values of the community are reflected in the design and function. Working together to create such centres fosters a sense of pride and responsibility, encouraging ongoing care and management. This is particularly important for memorial spaces, where the emotional and historical significance of the site is deeply connected to the collective memory of the local community.

However, while the local community should be at the forefront of the creation and management of these places, external perspectives also play an important role. Visitors and experts from other cities or countries can bring fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and examples of what has worked in other contexts. This cross-pollination of ideas can help local communities think outside the box and create spaces that are not only functional, but also inspiring and forward-looking.

Public spaces are therefore vital to maintaining the social fabric of our communities. Whether they serve as living memorials, centres of recovery, or spaces for everyday interaction, these places are crucial for preserving history, strengthening community, and promoting healing. The most successful and meaningful ones are those that are managed by the local community with support and inspiration from outside.

Продовжуючи розбудовувати та розвивати наші міста, важливо надавати пріоритет створенню та підтримці цих просторів, гарантуючи, що вони залишатимуться місцями коммунікаціїї громади, пам’яті та зростання для наступних поколінь.

Community centers are vital hubs of resilience and recovery, especially in the aftermath of disasters such as war, occupation, and other significant challenges.

These spaces serve not only as physical structures but also as symbolic pillars of hope, unity, and regeneration for affected populations.

Their importance cannot be overstated in the process of territory and community recovery, as they facilitate a wide range of activities and processes that contribute to healing, rebuilding, and fostering social cohesion.

The Importance of Community Centers in Post-Disaster Recovery

Safe Haven for Emotional and Psychological Support:

In the wake of war or occupation, communities often suffer from collective trauma. Community centers provide a safe and neutral environment where individuals can seek emotional and psychological support. Access to counseling services, support groups, and mental health workshops helps individuals process their experiences, reducing the long-term psychological impact of the disaster.

Catalysts for Social Reintegration and Cohesion:

Disasters often fracture the social fabric, leading to mistrust, isolation, and division.

Community centers serve as neutral grounds where diverse groups can come together, fostering dialogue, understanding, and collaboration. By organizing activities that bring together different segments of the population, these centers promote social reintegration and help rebuild a sense of community.

Facilitators of Resource Distribution and Information Sharing: In post-disaster scenarios, the distribution of aid, resources, and accurate information is crucial. Community centers often act as distribution points for food, clothing, medical supplies, and other necessities. They also serve as hubs for disseminating important information, such as updates on recovery efforts, legal rights, and opportunities for rebuilding homes and businesses.

Innovative Activities for Integration and Recovery

While traditional activities like language classes, job training, and cultural events are essential, there are several innovative approaches that community centers can adopt to further enhance integration and recovery:

Storytelling and Oral History Projects:

Organizing storytelling sessions or oral history projects allows community members to share their personal experiences, preserving the collective memory of the disaster while fostering empathy and understanding among participants. These projects can also help document the community’s resilience and inspire future generations.

Art Therapy and Creative Workshops:

Art therapy provides a non-verbal outlet for individuals to express their emotions and experiences. Community centers can offer workshops in painting, sculpture, music, and dance, encouraging participants to use creativity as a form of healing. Public art projects, such as murals or community sculptures, can also become symbols of collective strength and recovery.

Civic Engagement and Participatory Planning:

Encouraging community members to take an active role in the recovery process fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment. Community centers can host workshops and forums where residents can contribute to the planning and decision-making processes related to rebuilding efforts, ensuring that recovery plans reflect the needs and aspirations of the community.

Intergenerational Activities:

Involving both the young and the elderly in joint activities helps bridge generational gaps and preserves cultural heritage. Initiatives such as mentorship programs, where elders share traditional skills or stories with younger generations, can strengthen community bonds and ensure the transmission of cultural knowledge.

Environmental and Sustainable Development Projects:

Community centers can spearhead projects focused on environmental recovery and sustainability, such as community gardens, reforestation efforts, or workshops on sustainable living. These initiatives not only contribute to the physical recovery of the area but also promote a long-term vision of resilience and self-sufficiency.

Processes Facilitated by Community Centers

Rebuilding Trust and Social Capital:

Through regular interactions, collaborative projects, and shared experiences, community centers help rebuild trust among community members, which is crucial for any long-term recovery process. Social capital, the network of relationships and trust that facilitates collective action, is gradually restored, enabling communities to work together more effectively.

Promoting Civic Identity and Agency:

Community centers play a key role in re-establishing a sense of civic identity. By engaging residents in discussions, decision-making processes, and volunteer activities, these centers empower individuals to take ownership of their community’s future, fostering a renewed sense of agency and responsibility.

Enhancing Resilience and Preparedness:

Through various educational and practical programs, community centers help equip residents with the skills and knowledge needed to face future challenges. Whether it’s disaster preparedness training, conflict resolution workshops, or economic empowerment programs, these activities enhance the overall resilience of the community.

Building Networks of Support and Cooperation:

Community centers often serve as connectors between different stakeholders, including local government, non-profits, and international organizations.

By fostering these networks of support and cooperation, they ensure that the community has access to a wide range of resources and expertise, which is crucial for effective recovery and long-term development.

In the aftermath of war, occupation, and other disasters, community centers are indispensable in the journey towards recovery and rebuilding. They provide a safe space for healing, foster social cohesion, and empower individuals to take an active role in the recovery process. By offering both traditional and innovative activities, community centers can facilitate the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities that are better prepared to face future challenges.

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Participants :

Participants /Germany:

Participants /Ukraine:

Export-Akademie Baden-Württemberg GmbH

GreenSinnergy GmbH

ARCHITEKTENWERKGRUPPE GmbH

“ACC’PORTAL-21“ LLC

“FERROSTROY”LLC

8 TOPICS WERE DISCUSSED:

Top 1: IZYUM_recovery Community & Urban project

Top 2: Partnership

Top 3: Green technologies for integration in Ukraine /biogas, water purification technology, green energy

Top 4: Logistic chain

Top 5: Visibility of the project, upcoming events in Ukraine and Germany in September 2024

Тop 6: Methods of project implementation

Тор 7: Audience of the project

Top 8: Investments

These included 13 questions:

1. What are the short-term and long-term goals of the project?

2. Where should we start?

3. Who should be involved in the project and in what timeframe?

4. Use and adaptation of green technologies on the territory of the projected facility, as well as in other territories of Ukraine

5. Certification of technologies in Ukraine?

6. Acquisition of a franchise and launch of pilot biogas plants for private development and multi- storey buildings.

7. What suppliers does the project need and when?

8. Who will communicate locally with the administration and the community?

9. What measures are planned for project visibility and stakeholder involvement in its development?

10. What methods of implementation are planned for the project in the urban planning and public parts?

11. What audience is already involved in the project and who is planned to be involved this year?

12. What educational activities and trainings are needed to achieve the project goals?

13. Where will the investments come from ?

Pre-determined forms of co-operation:

Cooperation 1.

Workshops, seminars, training sessions

series of courses and workshops for the residents of the Izyum neighbourhood and other intrested communities in Ukraine

Cooperation 2.

Biogas plants integration

on the territory of Izyum neighourhood and other intrested communities in Ukraine

Cooperation 3.

Engineering

As outlined in the protocol, the Ukrainian team is in need of assistance, primarily due to the mobilisation of key experts or their unfortunate demise on the battlefield. Nevertheless, the necessity for immediate design is becoming increasingly apparent. The ongoing strenuous and stressful work is taking a toll on women engineers and architects, who are experiencing burnout. In light of the aforementioned circumstances, we propose extending support to the IZYUM recovery project in the realm of engineering. This would enable Ukrainian experts to align the project with Ukrainian legislation and establish it as a shared asset between the two countries and their twin cities.

The project requires the development of several sections, including GP /General Plan/, AP /Architectural Part/, MC /Metal Construction/, CC /Concrete Construction/, E /Electricity/, WS /Water & Sewer/, HV /Heating & Ventilation/ , and other sections necessary for the implementation of a large-scale urban planning project.

Older Posts

Izyum Recovery Officially Integrated into City Development Strategy

Transformation of Izyum’s vision: Before and during the full-scale invasion of Russia