CBC Talks 5 - Oleksandra Nenko, University of Turku
Mapping the Emotional Landscape of a Wartime City
CBC-Talk 5 is organized in the frame of CBC-Talks series from cities-buildings-culture project.This talk examines the reconstruction of place identities in wartime and post-war urban landscapes, focusing on the case of Kyiv. Using a combination of autoethnographic introspection and participatory mapping, the study identifies four types of emotionally charged places that emerge through experiences of war: dangerous places, safe places, places of dignity, and places of trauma. Kyiv’s wartime emotional landscape encompasses both intimate settings—such as the home—and public spaces including streets, squares, metro stations, museums, and monuments. These spaces undergo transformations in appearance, function, emotional meaning, and symbolic resonance during war. The shifting boundaries between personal and public, safe and dangerous, contribute to the dynamic reconstruction of individual and collective place identities. The talk also reviews how emotional landscape mapping can inform participatory models of post-war reconstruction, including approaches to designing safe, meaningful urban environments and shaping inclusive memory policies. The findings highlight that practices of rebuilding damaged environments and creating new safe spaces during wartime play a crucial role in restoring a sense of place and agency. Such participatory acts not only support emotional resilience but also reinforce citizens’ subjectivity and collective action within the urban community. Oleksandra Nenko acknowledges her collaboration with Olena Kononenko and Anatolii Melnychuk, associate professors at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine, in this ongoing research.
When: Monday, November 24, 2025, 5:00–6:30 PM
Link: https://rwth.zoom-x.de/j/63818881847?pwd=s0uRbZ3QaDrbgvhEHrgaizRUef0Pbo.1
CNUTR at the V International Scientific and Practical Conference in Odesa
The V International Scientific and Practical Conference “Contemporary Challenges and Prospective Directions for Innovative Urban Development” took place on November 6–7, 2025 in Odesa. The event was organized by the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Odessa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture, and Odesa City Council, Ukrainian Academy of Architecture including partners from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
The conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and municipal representatives from Ukraine, Germany, and beyond to discuss urban transformation, heritage, and innovation. Welcoming remarks were given by Anatolii Kovrov (Rector, Odessa State Academy), Oleksandr Filatov (First Deputy Mayor of Odesa), and Oleh Sleptsov (President, Ukrainian Academy of Architecture). Plenary sessions covered strategic development for Odesa, heritage governance, BIM implementation, green urban planning, and historical preservation.
CNUTR was represented by Dr. Anastasia Malko and Iman Baratvakili from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT, Germany). Dr. Malko spoke on heritage governance and urban renewal in France and Germany, while Iman Baratvakili presented on teaching frameworks for innovative city development.
The conference facilitated dialogue between academia, professional practice, municipal actors, and civil society, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Updates on conference outcomes and partner feedback will be shared here, making the website a continuing hub for discussion on urban development.
ganz neue news
asdfasdf
Lasna!dee — Resilient Neighborhoods in Tallinn
The joint urban design course in fall semester 2025/26 will elaborate visionary transformation strategies and urban design concepts for the large housing estate Kuristiku in the broader context of Lasnamäe in the Estonian capital. Part of the studio is an excursion to Tallinn with workshop in November.
Approved Agreement
The Student Exchange Agreement between KarlsruheInstitute of Technology and Odessa State Academy of Architecture and Civil Engineering has been signed. It is sign for our long-lasting partnership and important requirement for exchange of students and PhD candidates.