SARAJEVO, JUNE 17 (ONASA) – The presentation of the project “Urban Transformation of Sarajevo (UTPS)” was held in Sarajevo today.
Also, the project will support the development and further elaboration of cantonal urban plans through a participatory process that will include the Sarajevo Canton, the City of Sarajevo, municipalities, the University of Sarajevo, urban planners, as well as citizens.
For the purpose of effective implementation of the project, the Government of Sarajevo Canton will provide the necessary political support, provide the necessary human resources and provide access to relevant information.
“If my task is to make life better, better and more beautiful for the citizens of Sarajevo, then I can only be happy that scientists of various profiles have come together to provide solutions for the urban transformation of Sarajevo. Digital tools, simulations, visualizations will provide future scenarios for the development of the city. We are narrowing the space for mistakes, which is especially important for us, because there is not much space left”, said Edin Forto, Prime Minister of Sarajevo Canton.
The four-year project, which will ensure the application of new knowledge and the best technologies in the field of urban planning, is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
“Modernization of urban planning in the Canton of Sarajevo is based on the latest knowledge, best practices and application of modern technologies in the field of urban development used in Switzerland. Joint efforts of the Swiss and BH. partners are focused on creating better conditions for sustainable economic development, environment and social prosperity in Sarajevo. I am pleased that this cooperation promotes an innovative approach that includes citizen participation, which is one of the main principles of all Swiss interventions in BiH”,said Daniel Hunn, Swiss Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Government of the Sarajevo Canton, through the Ministry of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Physical Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) to facilitate the project.
“The ‘Urban Transformation of Sarajevo’ project is in line with Switzerland’s foreign policy strategy for the period 2020-2023. for the Western Balkans, which includes Bosnia and Herzegovina and support for its stability, development, as well as assistance in the process of European integration. Recognizing the successful cooperation with our friendly country Switzerland, the relevant ministry will provide all necessary support for the Sarajevo Canton in order to more efficiently implement this important project, both politically and by providing the necessary human resources, providing access to relevant documentation, “said Enver Hadžiahmetović. Minister of Communal Economy, Infrastructure, Physical Planning, Construction and Environmental Protection of Sarajevo Canton.
The Institute for Development Planning of the Sarajevo Canton, together with project partners, will cooperate in the development of the Urban Plan which should redefine the public space in the heart of Sarajevo, and lead to economically sustainable planning of city networks.
“Modernization and improvement of urban planning in Sarajevo Canton, as well as institutional strengthening, are the main interests of the Institute for participation in this project,” said Faruk Muharemovic, director of the Institute for Development Planning of Sarajevo Canton.
Modern urban transformation of Sarajevo with the support of the academic community and recognized international expertise
UTPS is implemented by three teams: the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ) in partnership with the University of Sarajevo and the Sarajevo Canton Development Planning Institute; a consortium consisting of Urbaplan-Enova-Helvetas; and the City of Zurich.
“Our work is about thinking together about architecture and landscape, as well as planning through the design of tools, methods and projects. Through intervention, implementation, prototyping and construction, we want to improve the quality of life for all people in Sarajevo and other cities in the region. We base our work on proven facts, and build a ‘digital twin’ for Sarajevans, with an understanding of their natural and human environment and infrastructure. In this way, we can make a better decision that leads to one system. The city of Sarajevo will be an example for Europe and the world, for the new Olympic city, not only in terms of sports, but also how to build a better place where young people will decide to stay and build their lives”, said Prof. Hubert Klumpner, Head of the Department of Architecture and Urban Design at ETH Zurich.
The project “Urban Transformation of Sarajevo” is based on the cooperation of Swiss and BiH. researchers, professionals and institutions that will examine and develop urban models of urban development through the affirmation and integration of existing values of the green city of Sarajevo and modern methods of urban infrastructure, energy and mobility.
“The main task of the project is to improve the quality of life through the active participation of the citizens of Sarajevo in making and supporting decisions important for the implementation of the project. At a time of global phenomena such as climate change, increasing social inequality accompanied by political and economic crises, we begin an important and beautiful story of joint action of citizens and professionals to design and implement a vision of Sarajevo in the 21st century for all of us “, concluded is Adnan Pašić, professor at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo.
The project will improve Sarajevo’s urban planning system through three different components, namely: institutionalization, urban planning practices and urban transformation.
Institutionalization will ensure a well-trained and participatory integrated urban planning system that provides the conditions for sustainable, inclusive and transparent urban planning in Sarajevo.
Urban planning practices will offer urban transformations of selected areas as a model for a new approach to urban planning and an accelerator of participatory urban planning practices in Sarajevo.
Finally, urban transformation will offer and strengthen knowledge for innovative approaches to urban planning, establish practices based on cutting-edge know-how and enable visualized urban planning to ensure socio-economic development.
“UTPS is an important project for the future of the Sarajevo agglomeration. The project simultaneously and complementarily unites academic competence, through cooperation with the University of Sarajevo and ETH Zurich, and recognized international technical expertise, provided by the Urbaplan-Helvetas-Enova consortium. UTPS will offer the Sarajevo Canton Development Planning Institute professional support in mastering new important topics such as environmental transition, urban resilience and climate change mitigation, “said François Laurent, representative of the Urbaplan-Helvetas-Enova consortium.
During 2021, initial project activities were implemented, including an analysis of the current situation.
In this year, 2022, the beginning of the implementation of operational activities is planned.
Therefore, today, after the presentation of the project, the first meeting of the Project Steering Committee was held in order to coordinate all actors responsible for ensuring harmonious and sustainable development of Sarajevo, and defining activities for 2022 and 2023. (end)