Led by the Territorial Studies and Development Lab at Yerevan State University (YSU), in partnership with the Working Group Urban Studies at University of Vienna (UNIVIE) and the Journalists for Urban Development NGO (JUD), the project is currently focused on three selected case cities: Charentsavan, Stepanavan, and Sisian.
These cities were selected based on their Soviet-era industrial legacies, current socio-economic challenges, and potential to serve as models for future-oriented urban development. Charentsavan, once a hub for machinery production, now faces the dual pressures of industrial decline and population loss. Stepanavan, known for its cultural heritage and tourism potential, continues to grapple with unemployment and the ongoing reconstruction of its identity following the devastation caused by the 1988 earthquake. Sisian, with its mix of small-scale industry and agriculture, presents opportunities for fostering local entrepreneurship and developing eco-tourism initiatives.
ReCITY is currently in its first major implementation phase, focused on data generation and stakeholder engagement. This phase is designed to gather deep contextual understanding of the transformation processes affecting these towns, through three primary methods:
● Archival Analysis: Researchers review urban plans, industrial records, and media archives to trace each city’s development and understand the forces shaping current conditions.
● Key Informant Interviews: Conversations with local leaders and stakeholders offer insight into governance, economic strategies, and views on sustainability and inclusion.
● Narrative Interviews: Life-story interviews with residents reveal how individuals experience urban change, linking personal histories to broader transformation processes.
To promote inclusive participation, ReCITY prioritizes community engagement in all three cities. Special attention will be given to the inclusion of women and marginalized voices in planning and urban prospects. This approach lays the groundwork for the next phase - data analysis and policy development - and informs the creation of tailored policy recommendations. The project also supports educational reform through Summer School programs and Fellowship opportunities that integrate research findings into graduate programs at YSU, helping train a new generation of professionals in sustainable urban development.
Through its inter- and transdisciplinary approach, ReCITY is shaping inclusive, evidence-based pathways for sustainable urban futures in Armenia. The development of the ReCITY online platform by the Journalists for Urban Development (JUD) NGO will ensure ongoing visibility, accessibility of research outputs, and wider community engagement.
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