Over the past year, the SHIFT project has held a series of pilot events across Europe. Each pilot has tested innovative digital tools designed to make cultural heritage more inclusive and engaging for everyone. From Romania to Hungary, Germany to Serbia, the pilots have demonstrated how artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), haptic technology and multimodal storytelling can open new doors for audiences, particularly those with disabilities. 

Romania

The first pilot was launched in April during the ANBPR National Conference, BiblioNEXT 2025, in Sibiu. Titled Romanian History and Customs Explained to Digital Natives, it explored how libraries can use technology to make cultural heritage accessible to younger audiences. Rare books, photographs and archival recordings were enhanced with tools such as image-to-video animation, text-to-speech narration, real-time translation and automatic labelling.

The event placed a strong emphasis on inclusion, and a feedback session with participants from vulnerable groups helped identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that the tools are refined to meet diverse needs. 

Budapest

The second pilot followed in May at the Semmelweis Museum of the History of Medicine in Budapest. Over four days, visitors tested the VR-Haptic tool created by FORTH, which allows users to experience historic objects through touch in a virtual environment.

Participants, including people with hearing and visual impairments and those on the autism spectrum, were invited to explore a reconstruction of a 19th-century surgical procedure. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with users stressing how much such tools could enrich museum visits. A public event on 30 May gave wider audiences the chance to see behind the scenes, learn about the development process and ask questions directly to the technical teams.

Berlin

In July, the State Museums of Berlin hosted SHIFT’s third pilot, Please Touch! Towards an AI-based inclusive, multisensory experience of the Museum. Over three days, visitors engaged with iconic objects such as the Pergamon Altar using VR headsets and haptic gloves. These devices allowed people, particularly those with visual impairments, to sense textures, shapes and even the perceived temperature of sculptures.

Other innovations on display included soundscapes that bring digitised paintings to life, tools that convert images into spoken descriptions, and AI-supported storytelling techniques. Workshops explored how such technologies can be integrated into museum practice, encouraging curators to think beyond the visual and design experiences that speak to all the senses.

Serbia

The fourth pilot took place at the end of July at the Homeland Museum of Knjaževac in Serbia. Around 30 participants, from cultural professionals to representatives of disability groups, gathered to test SHIFT’s authoring tools, gesture recognition technologies and the main project platform.

The museum also presented its own tactile exhibition, featuring 3D replicas of artefacts, audio and video guides and sign language interpretation. A highlight of the event was the dialogue between Serbian and German associations of blind and partially sighted people, reinforcing the importance of international cooperation in developing accessible solutions.

Back to Romania! 

The series continues this autumn with a second Romanian pilot on 17 September at the “I.H. Rădulescu” County Library in Târgoviște. Once again under the theme Romanian History and Customs Explained to Digital Natives, the event will present new features, including automatic text summaries, multimodal storytelling, affective text-to-speech voices adapted for different audiences, and innovative tools that transform still images into short videos.

Around 40 participants are expected, including librarians, academics, students, entrepreneurs and local officials, all exploring how libraries can embrace digital technologies to widen access to culture.

SHIFT (MetamorphoSis of cultural Heritage Into augmented hypermedia assets For enhanced accessibiliTy and inclusion) supports the adoption of digital transformation strategies and the uptake of tools within the creative and cultural industries (CCI), where progress has been lagging. Read more here. It is funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe program. 

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ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

As we enter the concluding weeks of this inspiring project, the multiplier event will be an opportunity to share results, reflect on lessons learned, and celebrate achievements with the community. Over the past two years, HERITΛGE has worked with AHEAD’s Greek hub, the Archaeological Museum of Messara in Crete,  on a wide range of activities — including labs, talks, and the development of prototype experiential museum experiences. An artist with ties to the location, Elektra Angelopoulou, was selected to co-create an experience with the local community and offer innovative insights.Through these collaborations, AHEAD explored innovative ways to engage local audiences and make heritage more inclusive, accessible, and participatory, with the dual aim of reaching new audiences and equipping cultural heritage managers with the skills to sustain them.

The evening will open with a presentation of the AHEAD project, its outcomes, and the use of design thinking for the development of cultural heritage audiences. Elektra Angelopoulou, will highlight the artistic dimension of the project, sharing insights into her co-creation work with local communities. 

Participants will be invited to take part in an informal networking session over drinks and snacks — a chance to exchange ideas and forge new connections.

The AHEAD Multiplier Event will bring together cultural professionals, institutions, creative SMEs, NGOs, policymakers, and community members to discuss how heritage can become more accessible and relevant to diverse audiences.

We are delighted to celebrate the culmination of this important journey and to share AHEAD’s results with you, our partners, stakeholders, and the public.

Romantso Event Hall, Anaxagora 3, Athens
18 September 2025 | 18:00–19:30

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In August 2025, Lahore hosted two events that celebrated Pakistan’s rich heritage and explored innovative approaches to its preservation with the participation of our Preservation of Buddhist Rock Reliefs in the Swat Valley project.

At the British Council Library in Lahore, school students from across the city took part in an interactive session designed to introduce them to the Gandhara civilisation and its artistic legacy. Organised under the project “Preservation of the Buddhist Rock Reliefs in the Swat Valley: Digital Documentation, First-Aid Conservation, and Climate Change Adaptation,” the initiative forms part of the British Council’s Cultural Protection Fund (CPF) and was implemented in collaboration with national and international partners, including the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Italian Archaeological Mission to Pakistan, The Heritage Management Organization, and Essanoor Associates.

During the session, students engaged in creative workshops that encouraged exploration of heritage, history, and environmental awareness. They painted tote bags inspired by Gandharan motifs and crafted clay replicas of artefacts. The programme successfully combined artistic expression with educational enrichment, fostering both appreciation and curiosity for cultural preservation. 

On the same day, the Lahore Museum hosted an International Panel Discussion entitled “The Future Museum: Technology, Heritage Conservation, and Inclusive Innovation.” The event was supported by ICOM, UNESCO, Essanoor Associates, the Heritage Management Organization, and the Tourism, Archaeology and Museum Department, and featured experts including Dr. Cristina Mengazzi (UNESCO), Alberto Garlandini (ICOM Foundation), Ar. Kashif Essa, and Malik Magsood, with moderation by Zainab Sabri, the Museum Education Officer. The panel examined the evolving role of museums, highlighting how technological advancements, innovative curation strategies, and inclusive practices can make cultural institutions more accessible and sustainable. Discussions also addressed local challenges and opportunities, bridging international perspectives with Pakistan’s heritage context. Th recording is available on Lahore Museum’s Facebook page. 

Both were fantastic initiatives which illustrated Lahore’s multi-faceted approach to cultural engagement, demonstrating how hands-on educational programmes for young learners can complement professional dialogues on innovation and preservation.

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Καθώς το έργο πλησιάζει στην ολοκλήρωσή του, η εκδήλωση θα αποτελέσει μια ευκαιρία να παρουσιαστούν τα αποτελέσματα, να αναλογιστούμε όσα αποκομίσαμε και να γιορτάσουμε τα επιτεύγματα του AHEAD μαζί με την κοινότητα της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς της χώρας μας.

Τα τελευταία δύο χρόνια, ο οργανισμός HERITΛGE συνεργάστηκε με τον ελληνικό κόμβο του AHEAD, το Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Μεσαράς στην Κρήτη, για την υλοποίηση μιας σειράς δράσεων του έργου — εργαστήρια, ομιλίες και ανάπτυξη πρωτοτύπων βιωματικών εμπειριών για μουσεία. Μια καλλιτέχνις με δεσμούς με την περιοχή, η Ηλέκτρα Αγγελοπούλου, επιλέχθηκε να συν-δημιουργήσει μια εμπειρία με την τοπική κοινότητα και να προσφέρει καινοτόμες προσεγγίσεις. Μέσα από αυτές τις συνεργασίες, το AHEAD διερεύνησε νέους τρόπους ενεργοποίησης του κοινού, με διπλό στόχο: την ανάπτυξη νέων κοινοτήτων και την ενδυνάμωση των διαχειριστών πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς με τις απαραίτητες δεξιότητες για τη διατήρησή τους.

Η βραδιά θα ξεκινήσει με μια παρουσίαση του έργου AHEAD, των αποτελεσμάτων του και της μεθοδολογίας design thinking για την ανάπτυξη κοινού στον χώρο της πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς. Η Ηλέκτρα Αγγελοπούλου θα μοιραστεί εμπειρίες από τη συν-δημιουργία με την τοπική κοινότητα, αναδεικνύοντας την καλλιτεχνική διάσταση του έργου.

Η εκδήλωση θα κλείσει με μια χαλαρή συνεδρία δικτύωσης, όπου θα προσφερθούν σνακ και ποτά, δίνοντας στους παριστάμενους την ευκαιρία για ανταλλαγή ιδεών και απόψεων.

Θα χαρούμε να σας καλωσορίσουμε, να μοιραστούμε τις δράσεις του AHEAD και να γιορτάσουμε την ολοκλήρωση αυτού του σημαντικού ταξιδιού μαζί με εσάς — τους εταίρους, τους συνεργάτες και το κοινό μας.

Romantso, Αναξαγόρα 3, Αθήνα
18 Σεπτεμβρίου 2025 | 18:00–19:30

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By Vira Orlovska

In times of war, when destruction seems to rewrite the physical and cultural landscape of a nation, a different kind of architecture emerges – one built from knowledge, skill, and an unyielding commitment to protect memory. The project “Architectural Heritage Preservation in Times of War: The Ukrainian Model” stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished when education, resilience, and international collaboration converge with urgency.

Launched in September 2024 by HERITΛGE in collaboration with the Kharkiv School of Architecture (operating from Lviv) and 3D documentation experts of Skeiron, this project set out to train a new generation of heritage architects and educators equipped with the technical and ethical tools needed to preserve Ukraine’s imperiled architectural heritage.

Building knowledge amid collapse

As buildings fall and monuments come under attack, the project focused on something less visible but deeply enduring: education. Over the course of the academic year, it reached 30 students and 10 educators from across Ukraine – Chernivtsi, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Kherson, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv and Vinnytsia regions – through an intensive curriculum that merged theory with fieldwork. Topics ranged from cutting-edge techniques like photogrammetry and 3D laser scanning to international conservation standards and legal frameworks.

Field internships in Western Ukraine led by Skeiron gave students hands-on experience in documenting heritage sites. They produced high-resolution digital scans and architectural records that now serve both as tools for future conservation efforts and as acts of cultural preservation in their own right.

In parallel, the programme’s educator training combined online learning with in-person workshops coordinated and hosted by the Kharkiv School of Architecture and practical exercises. This dual approach enabled participating teachers to develop their own heritage-focused curricula – tailored to their institutions – and expand the reach of conservation education across the country.

The urgency of this work is echoed in the April 2025 report “The Ukrainian Cultural Sector in Wartimes: Emergencies – Needs – Measures”, which highlights a critical shortage of qualified professionals in conservation, restoration, and heritage protection. The report calls for systemic investment in education, especially in frontline regions where remote-only instruction has left gaps in competencies. Against this backdrop, the project addressed not just a wartime emergency, but a long-standing structural need for enhanced education in architectural heritage conservation.

The project’s broader legacy

Though limited to one academic year, the project’s impact far outstrips its timeline. It catalysed the development of a reproducible curriculum, created a set of digital documentation of 15 heritage sites, and introduced conservation methodologies to institutions that previously had limited access to such tools. Perhaps most importantly, it demonstrated how cultural preservation can be reframed as a form of resistance and recovery.

A series of public webinars and lectures – featuring experts from Ukraine and abroad – helped bridge gaps in knowledge and connect students and instructors with global heritage preservation communities. The programme didn’t just train students; it helped cultivate a network of professionals who carry forward the mission of architectural conservation with firsthand experience and shared purpose.

A call to sustain what was started

Despite its success, the project ended in 2025 due to funding limitations. Its early closure is a sobering reminder of the fragility of cultural preservation efforts in conflict zones. Yet it also underscores a core truth: the preservation of architectural heritage is not a one-off intervention. It is a long-term commitment that demands sustained investment, institutional backing, and policy support.

The tools have been built. The knowledge has been shared. What remains is the will to continue – through new programs, policy reform, and the support of international allies.

Final thoughts

In Ukraine today, every carved facade, every war-scarred cornice tells a story – not only of destruction but of survival. The “Architectural Heritage Preservation in Times of War” project ensured that these stories are not lost. As Ukraine continues its path through war toward recovery, the architects trained through this programme will stand among its quiet heroes – those who understand that rebuilding is not just about walls, but about the memory those walls hold.

Now, more than ever, we must ask: what kind of future do we build if we let the past be erased?

Find out more about our projects here.

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From May 21st to 23rd, 2025, HERITΛGE and the Archaeological Museum of Mesara  welcomed partners from across Europe for the second international AHEAD project Study Visit, a key milestone in the project’s mission to foster innovative, audience-centred cultural experiences.  The three-day gathering hosted by the Museum (the project’s Greek Hub), proved a dynamic space for reflection, testing, and exchange of ideas across borders and communities.

The AHEAD team along with local heritage professionals and Elektra Angelopoulou – the artist selected to co-create work for the Greek hub- worked to validate and give feedback on the prototypes developed through the AHEAD methodology — a process designed to help cultural institutions understand their audiences, co-create with them, and embed those practices into their operations.

Two Prototypes, Two Publics

The Greek Hub focused on two distinct but equally vital local audiences: children and adults, engaging each group in a meaningful journey through AHEAD’s empathise–define–ideate–prototype–test framework.

HERITΛGE’s Xanthippi Kontogianni

Prototype I: Children’s Voices in the Museum

HERITΛGE and the Museum partnered with two local primary schools to involve young learners in the creative process. With the participation of artist/performer Elektra Angelopoulou, and through structured activities aligned with the AHEAD methodology, the children explored the museum’s collection and selected their favourite objects.From these choices, the children developed their own narratives — imaginative stories, reflections, and personal interpretations inspired by the artefacts. 

In centering children’s voices, the museum embraces storytelling not just as education, but as connection — bridging past and present through creativity, wonder, and the eyes of a new generation. 

Prototype II: Community, Connection, and Co-governance

In parallel, HERITΛGE invited local adults to participate in a series of reflective workshops, beginning with the sharing of memories, lived experiences, and deep-rooted connections to the Messara landscape — a place where archaeology, history, and daily life are inextricably linked.

These sessions revealed a strong sense of local pride, but also a disconnect: many felt the museum, though geographically close, was distant in spirit — shaped by state institutions without enough input from those who live nearby. In response, the prototype developed with this audience is the creation of a “Friends of the Museum of Mesara” Association.

This initiative aims to:
– Strengthen community engagement with the museum
– Amplify local voices in decision-making processes
– Support the museum’s role in driving tourism and sustainable local growth
– Provide a formal channel for co-creating future experiences and exhibitions

From Testing to Transformation

Both prototypes were presented to AHEAD consortium members during the Study Visit. Feedback sessions, held at the Archaeological Museum and visits to the area and its archaeological sites Gortyna and Phaistos, allowed partners to gain and exchange insights, and consider how these approaches might be adapted across other contexts.

The feedback underscored the importance of:

• Deep listening and long-term community involvement
• Rethinking traditional exchanges between museums and local communities
• Fostering sustainable links between heritage, education, and local development
• Working with the AHEAD methodology and returning to it as often as necessary throughout the lifetime of a project.

The prototypes — still in development — will be officially launched in September 2025, during a dedicated event that will also feature a site-specific performance by Elektra Angelopoulou, created in collaboration with the Mesara community.

Looking Ahead

This second Study Visit demonstrated the power of co-creation, memory, and local agency in shaping meaningful cultural heritage experiences. By validating the Greek Hub’s work and drawing lessons from the field, partners left Messara not only inspired, but equipped with ideas they could bring back to their own communities.

Next up for AHEAD: Study Visit 3 in Altamira, Spain — where a new chapter of audience-centred innovation is already unfolding.

AHEAD is co-funded by the European Union. To learn more about the AHEAD methodology or how to join the AHEAD network visit the project website and explore the learning resources, manifesto, and upcoming events.

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Swat Valley in northern Pakistan is home to some of the most significant remnants of the ancient Gandhara civilization. Among these are Buddhist rock reliefs and inscriptions, likely carved in the 7th or 8th century BC, which are now under threat from natural erosion, human activity, and the escalating impacts of climate change.

In response to these emerging challenges, the project adopted a multi-phase strategy encompassing digital documentation, emergency conservation, local capacity development, sustainable tourism, and climate resilience initiatives.

Through extensive field surveys, the project digitally recorded 78 Buddhist rock reliefs using high-resolution photography, 3D scanning, and interactive geographic mapping. Emergency stabilization measures were also carried out at several vulnerable sites, providing necessary ‘first aid’ to prevent further deterioration. A major milestone was the launch of the project website, which offers free access to 3D models, maps, and comprehensive documentation of these heritage sites. The platform supports research, education, and site management while promoting global engagement with Swat’s rich cultural heritage.

The local communities and institutions were engaged throughout the project to raise awareness and empower them to become custodians of these invaluable heritage sites through grassroots discussions and workshops. Thirteen heritage professionals and seven local community members were trained in digital preservation skills to ensure that the knowledge and tools for conserving the heritage are sustained locally, empowering the community to manage and protect their own cultural resources. The project also recorded six oral testimonies, preserving the intangible heritage of the local community. These stories reflect the lasting impact of Buddhist influence in the Swat Valley, highlighting traditional crafts like Gandharan wooden art, stone masonry, and shawl embroidery, which have been inspired by centuries of Buddhist heritage.

In addition to heritage conservation, the project identified sustainable tools for both preservation and economic development. The development of hiking trails and eco-tourism facilities was proposed to promote local tourism and provide sustainable income for rural communities. Alternative livelihoods through eco-tourism, local crafts, and medicinal plant cultivation are also encouraged by the initiative that aims to ensure economic stability in the region.

Closing Ceremony

The Swat Museum hosted a project closing event on 15 April 2025, attended by approximately 200 people, including students, heritage practitioners, local community representatives, and international experts. The ceremony included a presentation by project team, detailing the objectives and accomplishments, as well as the official launch of the website. A panel discussion, chaired by HERITΛGE’s Dr. Maja Kominko, gathered professionals from both the academic and grassroots communities. The panel addressed the cultural significance of Buddhist heritage in Swat, the significance of community participation in conservation, and the adaptation to the impacts of climate change on heritage.

The guests were guided through a thoughtfully curated exhibit showcasing the project’s key outputs, including photographic documentation, interactive maps, and 3D-models. Team members were present to explain the conservation methods employed throughout the project and to demonstrate the digital equipment used in the preservation process. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of shields and certificates to honor significant contributions. Project stakeholders and members of the public reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Swat’s cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations.

The ‘Preservation of Buddhist Rock Reliefs in the Swat Valley’ project underscores the increasing significance of integrating digital technologies, emergency conservation, community engagement, sustainable tourism, and climate resilience into contemporary heritage conservation practices. It also serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at safeguarding vulnerable cultural heritage sites.

For additional information and access to digital documentation, visit www.heritageofswatvalley.com.

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A major step was taken in early February  to safeguard the rich cultural heritage of the city of Shibam in Yemen, in the framework of the Preserving the Unique Earthen Architecture of Shibam project, funded by the ALIPH Foundation, is implemented by The Heritage Management Organization (HERITΛGE) in partnership with the American Foundation for Cultural Research (AFCR) and the General Organization for the Preservation of Historic Cities in Yemen (GOPHCY – Shibam).

Museum experts Shatha Safi and Khulod Najjar visited Shibam to guide the community-led design and  planning of a brand new museum to be created by the project. 

Old City of Shibam: a World Heritage Site

The walled City of Shibam is one of the oldest examples of urban planning based on the principle of vertical construction with impressive tower-like structures  Following years of crisis brought about the war in Yemen, compounded by  and the impact of climate change, this unique UNESCO World Heritage Site is facing significant challenges.

The proposed museum project addresses a request from the General Organization for the Preservation of Historic Cities in Yemen (GOPHCY) to create a centralized space that will bring together collections currently dispersed across several venues in the city. In addition to exhibiting Shibam’s history and artifacts, the museum will feature spaces dedicated to traditional arts and crafts, fostering cultural preservation and engagement. Furthermore, a dedicated room equipped with video-conferencing facilities will enable local residents to participate in online training and conferences. To ensure the sustainability of this training venue, the project will install solar panels and an internet connection, providing continuous access to digital resources.

The experts’ visit marked a crucial phase in the project; three key meetings were held to align the museum’s vision with community expectations and institutional support.

The first meeting focused on establishing a framework for the creation and operation of the museum. It brought together Hassan Aideed– Director General of GOPHCY – Shibam, the Local Committee for Museum Preparation, Hedaya Ghraibeh, Project Manager for HERITΛGE with the two visiting experts. Discussions revolved around how the museum can authentically represent Shibam’s history, traditions, and way of life while aligning with the aspirations of the local community. The experts emphasized the importance of preserving both the material culture—such as architectural heritage—and the stories, customs, and knowledge passed down through generations.

The second meeting allowed the project team, the visiting experts, and GOPHCY-Shibam to discuss the museum  with Tariq Falhum, Director General of Shibam District and his team. This discussion highlighted the role of local authorities in supporting the museum’s development and ensuring its long-term sustainability. By integrating the museum into the broader heritage conservation strategy for Shibam, the project aims to strengthen both cultural preservation and community engagement.

The third meeting was held in coordination with the Women’s Development Administration at the District Office. This session brought together 15 women and girls from diverse backgrounds, including home-based workers, recent graduates, shopkeepers, and others, to discuss the evolution of traditional practices and contemporary lifestyles in Shibam. The conversation explored the challenges faced by women and the transformation of their position in society over time, providing valuable insights into the social and cultural shifts within the community.This meeting plays a vital role in ensuring that the museum accurately represents the experiences, voices, and contributions of women to Shibam’s heritage and daily life.

As the planning and design process continues, Shibam is moving closer to having a dedicated space that tells its story and brings the local community together. 

The project provides  practical, on-the-job training for heritage professionals in Shibam, ensuring that conservation efforts are sustained by skilled local experts. Currently, four trainees are already working alongside our architects and engineers on the documentation process for the South Palace, where the museum will be located. 

The Preserving the Unique Earthen Architecture of Shibam project also includes architectural and infrastructure assessments in the first year, along with an in-depth study on climate action, proposing sustainable strategies for both Shibam and Wadi to ensure long-term resilience and preservation. 

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HERITΛGE in co-operation with the Archaeological Museum of Mesara in Greece held the first two labs EMPATHISE & DEFINE of the AHEAD program for the Greek hub on December 20-21, 2024. AHEAD (Accessible Heritage Experience for Audience Development) is an EU-funded program that aims to give cultural heritage professionals the tools to develop audiences using innovative approaches.

The labs marked a significant milestone in capacity building and following a series of intensive seminars. They provided a safe and collaborative space for heritage professionals, artists, and audiences to co-create innovative strategies for audience engagement and development.

Aris Anagnostopoulos, HERITΛGE head of Community Engagement, shared his expertise on audience engagement, guiding participants through the process of conducting empathetic interviews with local communities and students. His insights set the stage for meaningful interactions and the development of actionable steps to connect with target audiences effectively.

The enthusiastic participation of the museum staff made this initiative truly rewarding from day one.

Lab 1, focused on “Empathize,” featured two key phases:

• Step into My Shoes – Museum Perspective, which explored the museum’s understanding of its audience.
• Step into My Shoes – Audience Perspective, which shifted the focus to how audiences perceive the museum.

Lab 2 “Define” focused on conducting empathetic interviews and defining the specific needs of the targeted audiences. This workshop encouraged participants to engage directly with primary school students and the local community (including parents) to gain deeper insights into their perspectives, expectations, and experiences. Through active listening and thoughtful dialogue, the lab laid the groundwork for identifying key audience needs and developing meaningful, audience-centered approaches for cultural engagement.

With primary school students and the local community (including parents) as the target groups, these labs fostered open dialogue and mutual understanding.

Through these workshops and the broader AHEAD program,HERITΛGE and its AHEAD partners strive to build and sustain meaningful relationships between archaeological sites and their audiences, fostering connections rooted in empathy and shared experiences.

These labs are just the beginning of a six-lab series designed to transform how cultural heritage professionals engage with their communities. Stay tuned for more exciting developments in the months ahead!

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Our latest project in war-torn Ukraine has recently completed its first semester. Developed in collaboration with the Kharkiv School of Architecture (now relocated to Lviv) and Skeiron, a Ukrainian organization specializing in 3D documentation, this initiative addresses the urgent need to protect Ukraine’s architectural heritage by establishing an architectural conservation course for students at the Kharkiv School of Architecture. Additionally, it provides training for educators from architectural schools across Ukraine, enabling them to establish similar curricula in their own institutions. As part of the training process, the project will also contribute to creating documentation and conservation plans for monuments in western Ukraine.

The project kicked off on September 27, 2024, with a panel discussion on “Planning for the Post-War Rehabilitation of Ukraine’s Architectural Heritage.” Hosted at the Kharkiv School of Architecture’s Lviv campus, the event brought together leading Ukrainian and international experts in heritage preservation. The discussion set the stage for a two-year program packed with practical activities and tangible outcomes.

• Training the Next Generation of Heritage Architects. Central to the project is its commitment to nurturing a new generation of heritage architects. Spanning two academic years and four semesters, the program will engage two groups of architecture students from across Ukraine in immersive, hands-on learning experiences. Participants will gain practical expertise in 3D documentation, architectural analysis, conservation assessment, international conservation standards and understanding local legal frameworks. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the complex demands and challenges of heritage preservation in a post-war context.
• Worldwide Expertise, Local Impact. As the project thrives on collaboration, its series of international webinars, lectures and events fosters dialogue between Ukrainian and global experts in heritage documentation and conservation. These public sessions are open to students, professionals, and educators, offering invaluable insights into the latest techniques and best practices. In the first semester alone, the project hosted three engaging webinars featuring outstanding speakers and practical discussions. Recordings of these sessions are available here, ensuring that the knowledge and expertise shared can reach an even wider audience.
• Learning by Doing: Digital Documentation Internships. One of the standout components of the project is its winter internship program. Under the guidance of Skeiron, students will step into the field to digitally document selected heritage sites. Using advanced tools like photogrammetry and laser scanning, they will transform raw data into actionable resources for conservation efforts. By the end of their internships, students will have created high-quality datasets ready to support heritage conservation projects across Ukraine.
• Empowering Educators. Recognizing that lasting change begins in the classroom, the project also offers specialized training for Ukrainian educators and researchers in the fields of architecture and heritage conservation. Through workshops and collaborative sessions, participants explore teaching methodologies and practical approaches to 3D documentation, heritage analysis, and conservation planning. Guided by leading Ukrainian and international experts, this training will equip the participants to develop and integrate heritage preservation courses into their institutions, ensuring the knowledge is passed on to future generations. The next course is set to begin on January 27, 2025. Interested participants can apply until January 6, 2025, by completing the application form available here.

Fall Semester Progress

The first semester of “Architectural Heritage Preservation in Times of War: The Ukrainian Model” brought together 30 highly motivated architecture students —20 from the Kharkiv School of Architecture and 10 from cities across Ukraine, including Kherson, Odessa, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv, Lviv, and Chernivtsi.

The curriculum focused on equipping the participants with both the theoretical understanding and hands-on skills needed to digitally document Ukraine’s built heritage. The semester’s highlights included: mastering 3D mapping and surveying tools, applying spatial data for heritage management, and creating high-resolution 3D documentation.

The course was carefully tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Ukrainian heritage professionals. By integrating lessons from the country’s past experiences and current realities, the program ensured that students could immediately apply their learning to real-world scenarios.

The knowledge and skills gained during the first semester will be put to the test as students embark on winter internships, set to begin on January 20, 2025. During these internships, participants will engage in hands-on fieldwork, live demonstrations, and practical applications of the techniques they’ve learned. Working with state-of-the-art equipment, they will scan and document selected heritage sites under the expert supervision of Skeiron LLC. These real-world experiences will not only solidify their training but also contribute to the preservation of Ukraine’s invaluable architectural heritage.

This semester’s accompanying webinars and public events were attended by hundreds of participants from around the world and are still gaining views online. 

Looking Ahead

In the second semester, the students will explore the historical and technical underpinnings of conservation. The training for educators will significantly expand the impact of the project. The additional public events promise even more opportunities for the real-world application of innovative techniques and for strengthening Ukraine’s capacity for sustainable preservation of heritage. 

Stay tuned for more updates as “Architectural Heritage Preservation in Times of War: The Ukrainian Model” continues to make a tangible difference in preserving Ukraine’s architectural legacy.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the project team at info.ua@heritagemanagement.org 

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