Method
Therapeutic Urbanism is a proprietary method for working with urban spaces developed by the Nuvo Buro Group.
It is a philosophical practice-oriented concept that enables the formation of emotional connections between people and the urban environment.
The central focus of therapeutic urbanism involves the integration of sociocultural programming, architectural design, and public art* into the urban context.
As a method, therapeutic urbanism aims to:
It is a philosophical practice-oriented concept that enables the formation of emotional connections between people and the urban environment.
The central focus of therapeutic urbanism involves the integration of sociocultural programming, architectural design, and public art* into the urban context.
As a method, therapeutic urbanism aims to:
Reduce the out-migration of residents by fostering an emotional attachment to their own regions and communities
Capitalize on assets by increasing the investment prospects of local infrastructure
Develop creative and recreational economy by unlocking the "genius loci" and supporting local residents
*Public art is legal art in an urban setting that is designed to engage with city residents.
Principles of Therapeutic Urbanism
Transforming the Environment: A Balance Between the Material and the Ideal
A therapeutic effect arises when a balance is maintained between the physical environment and the local narratives of everyday culture. "Material" refers to the physical environment: architecture, infrastructure, and urban design. "Ideal" refers to the substantial, sacred, and symbolic functions of space: history, local myths, art, cultural layers, traditions, collective memory, and personal experience. To achieve this effect, both poles must be given equal weight.
Meaningful Enrichment of Space: Collaboration with Scholars
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Collaboration with scholars and representatives of local communities helps create authentic ideas that are not imposed from the outside, but rather grow organically from the context of the place and become pinpoints of a project.
Our research explores historical, geographical, cultural, and philosophical aspects that are meaningful to city residents and answer questions such as: "What kind of place is this where I live? What does it tell me or others?"
Our research explores historical, geographical, cultural, and philosophical aspects that are meaningful to city residents and answer questions such as: "What kind of place is this where I live? What does it tell me or others?"
Pictured: the mural "The White She-Wolf" by DULK
Dialogue with Residents: Building Lasting Emotional Connections
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The goal of therapeutic urbanism is to create not merely a comfortable environment, but one that is emotionally rich—one that strengthens people’s connection to their surroundings and inspires the local community to actively participate in the development of their neighborhoods. Local pride arises when people’s perception of their native landscape is linked to memories of real or imagined events (myths) that have happened to them. Personal experiences of participation create these connections and lead to the sustainable development of the community.
Embracing a Place’s Imperfections Rather Than Erasing Them
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Pictured: "Industry Garden" public space
Pictured: a master class by Turcan Flowers at "Open Workshops"
Therapeutic urbanism involves working with the context of the environment. The goal is not to fix the city, but to transform its imperfections into unique and likeable characteristics.
Through contemporary methods of environmental transformation and by working with distressed areas, we connect the cultural and symbolic layers of time with the present day, revealing its potential, which is not always obvious.
Through contemporary methods of environmental transformation and by working with distressed areas, we connect the cultural and symbolic layers of time with the present day, revealing its potential, which is not always obvious.
Technology as an Archive of the Present and Collective Memory
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The unique nature of art in the city lies in its transience. Combining projects in the physical and virtual worlds allows us to work with this impermanence and to create digital archives of these projects. Technologies (AR, VR, the metaverse, and others) serve as an immersive platform for preserving collective memory and connecting generations, as well as a relevant educational tool for building communities, accessible from anywhere in the world.
Local Nature and Art as Tools for Shaping the Environment
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The integration of natural biodiversity into the urban fabric, as well as art created in dialogue with the identity of a place, are key tools for fostering sustainable connections between people and the city. They restore residents’ sense of "home," becoming not mere decoration but an integral part of modern life.
Pictured: "Garden City" mural by Artem Stefanov