Inter- and transdisciplinary approach to revitalizing former small industrial cities in Armenia to enhance their transformative potential towards sustainability | ReCITY
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
Project Overview
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.
Reporting
ReCITY - Report on the first project year
The “ReCITY: Inter- and transdisciplinary approach to revitalizing former small industrial cities in Armenia to enhance their transformative potential towards sustainability” project is moving forward with strong momentum in its goal to foster sustainable urban transformation in Armenia’s post-industrial small towns. 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.