Inter- and transdisciplinary approach to revitalizing former small industrial cities in Armenia to enhance their transformative potential towards sustainability

Project coordinator: Harutyun Vermishyan

Coordinating institution: Yerevan State University

Partner institutions: University of Vienna, Journalists for the Urban Development (NGO)

Partner country: Armenia

Project duration: 1 March 2024–28 February 2027

The “Inter- and transdisciplinary approach to revitalizing former small industrial cities in Armenia to enhance their transformative potential towards sustainability (ReCITY)” project aims to study and support sustainable urban development in small industrial towns in Armenia after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The main partners of this project are the Department of Sociology of Yerevan State University (YSU) (lead and coordinating partner), the Department of Geography and Regional Research of the University of Vienna (UV) and Journalists for the Urban Development NGO (JUD). Applying a social science-based perspective with a focus on socio-environmental processes, ReCITY emphasizes inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation between partners in urban studies from Armenia and Austria, and its inter- and transdisciplinary application for the study. The project aligns with the United Nations' Agenda 2030, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 11 on Cities and Communities, which focuses on inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable urban areas. ReCITY combines three angles on the sustainable transformations of former small industrial cities in Armenia: first, community-engagement with local stakeholders guided by academic expertise and developing theory-driven practices. Second, the inclusion of women by applying a gender-sensitive and intersectional approach to transdisciplinary urban planning. Third, impact on higher education by deploying inter- and transdisciplinary collaboration in educational programs.

ReCITY addresses pressing themes such as sustainable economic development, environmental protection, poverty eradication, and women engagement in local government, and vice-versa effects on the sustainable development of former industrial cities. The project examines the historic legacy of Soviet urban planning in Armenia, the long-term effects of de-industrialization, and the current challenges faced by post-Soviet cities in the country. It seeks to identify opportunities and perspectives for sustainable multidimensional development by studying the past, current and future transformations, and potential recovery of these cities. ReCITY contributes to the APPEAR program and SDG targets by 1) promoting high-quality education in urban policy and urban development as part of the newly developed masters’ programmes at the YSU “Sustainable Cities” & “Public Policy Research” based on experience at UV with regard to “Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Urban Studies - 4CITIES” and the postgraduate master program “Cooperative Urban and Regional Development” at Postgraduate Center, UV; and by 2) the sustainable as well as transformative potential of urban development. ReCITY aligns with the development policies of Armenia and supports the goals of the Eastern Partnership and Austrian Development Cooperation. Through its research and enhanced educational programs, ReCITY strives to improve urban policy and development initiatives in Armenia, especially after recent territorial administration reforms and the consolidation of urban communities in the domain of local governance.