Participants and experts were divided into six working groups, each focused on their own case study. For Drohobych, Kherson, Klesiv, Okhtyrka, and Voznesensk, this marked the third time they’ve been involved with Panorama Ukraine, having previously collaborated on both ‘Neighborhoods’ workshops (held in the Netherlands in June 2024 and in Ukraine in September 2024). The sixth case study, Vynnitsia, participated for the first time. One of the goals of Panorama Ukraine is to collaborate with local representatives from the municipalities to ensure that our project aligns with local needs. As workshop leader Gerjan Streng noted: ‘These three days demonstrate that this collaborative approach, drawing from diverse backgrounds, proves its value and can be effectively applied in practice at these six locations and many others.’ We were especially grateful that representatives from Kherson, Klesiv, and Okhtyrka traveled to Rotterdam to join us in person, while we maintained digital communication with the other three municipalities before and during the workshop.

To discuss the topic of energy, which closely intersects with fields beyond architecture and urban design, we brought together experts from diverse backgrounds for this workshop. We paired energy specialists with architects and urbanists to ensure each group could approach the task from both perspectives. The different working groups were supported by experts from organizations and NGOs, including Bright (NL), Fabrications (NL), Rethink (UA), Energy Act for Ukraine Foundation (UA), Generation.Energy (NL), Urban Synergy (NL), Rebel Architects (NL), and CEE Bankwatch Network (UA).

In addition to the 12 group leaders, we had two workshop leaders present. Gerjan Streng from Bright served as the Dutch workshop leader, while Roman Zinchenko from Green Cubators was his Ukrainian counterpart. Their role involved engaging with all the groups, providing constructive feedback, presenting diverse perspectives, and effectively guiding the overall research process.

This time, 18 participants joined us to contribute to the research groups. Participants came from Ukraine, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Mexico. For some Ukrainian energy experts, this was their first opportunity to engage with urban planners and architects. ‘We usually work within our energy bubble and rarely interact with professionals from other fields,’ one participant noted. Another added: ‘I work exclusively in Excel and had never seen how my knowledge could be applied to a map before.’ This workshop then also served as a platform for cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Sven Stremke (Professor Landscape Architecture at Wageningen University and Research) joined us on Wednesday morning to open the workshop with a lecture on the Power of Landscape. On Thursday, workshop leader Roman Zinchenko provided us with insights into the Ukrainian energy system and energy expert Vaagn Mnatsakanian (former representative from Mariupol, currently working for the municipality of Arnhem) was present to share his extensive knowledge with all the groups.

Given the diverse backgrounds of the participants, the first challenge was to establish effective communication among one another. ‘After three days of working toward a common understanding of our energy system in relation to urban structures, we’ve found a shared language in typologies and communities,’ says Gerjan Streng. The results of the workshop were presented by the groups on Friday afternoon, showcasing a range of outputs from local action plans to long-term visions. ‘A key revelation for me was the importance of forward-thinking approaches rather than simply rebuilding what was lost. While the phrase “build back better” has become common in reconstruction contexts, our participants embraced “building forward” as their guiding principle, which will be essential for future efforts,’ reflects Roman Zinchenko.

Drohobych: Researchers proposed engaging Donetsk National Technical University, soon to be based in Drohobych, to drive energy innovations aimed at flexibility and behavioral change, with a focus on eliminating energy poverty and ensuring access to affordable energy for residents. 

Okhtyrka: The study emphasized rebuilding human capital in Okhtyrka, where population loss is significant and 3 percent of residents face cancer, while also prioritizing schools and kindergartens as critical infrastructure and suggesting five steps to achieve municipal energy efficiency. 

Voznesensk: Researchers recommended prioritizing solutions for housing, industry, and mixed-use areas, including the installation of solar panels in residential backyards and fostering collaboration between industry and agriculture for local biogas production. 

Vinnytsia: The research team developed an educational game for young professionals and communities in Vinnytsia to simulate energy sustainability scenarios in diverse contexts, positioning the tool as a resource for municipal decision making. 

Klesiv: For Klesiv, the study proposed addressing energy security, water sanitation, and air pollution by transforming quarry waste heaps into solar energy sites, promoting energy independence while improving environmental conditions. 

Kherson: Researchers envisioned Kherson’s future by suggesting a 100-year strategy involving the relocation of its port and industries, alongside biofuel production and the creation of a biomass supply chain for regional development. 

We aim to organize a follow-up workshop on the same topic next year in Ukraine. Please subscribe to our newsletter if you want to stay up to date!