Fieldwork for the future: Co-creating climate-resilient urban solutions

More than 30 students and mentors from diverse disciplines, including Architecture, Geography, Biology–Ecology, Forestry and Environmental Sciences, and Anthropology & Cultural Heritage are taking part in this immersive learning experience. Divided into interdisciplinary teams, participants are guided by academic mentors and local practitioners as they carry out field analyses, meet with institutions and local organizations, and explore how nature-based and inclusive approaches can strengthen climate resilience in Kosovo’s cities. 

In Gjakova/Djakovica, teams began their fieldwork by identifying key water and environmental challenges and discussing possible nature-based solutions to address them. Meetings with the Municipality of Gjakova’s/Djakovica's Department of Urbanism and Public Services, and local initiatives such as Activism Roots and BONEVET Gjakova/Djakovica, provided valuable insights into the link between community engagement, innovation, and sustainable urban development. 

In Prizren, participants were out in the field engaging with local stakeholders and representatives from Ec Ma Ndryshe and the Municipality of Prizren, reflecting on how biodiversity protection, cultural heritage, and sustainable infrastructure can go hand in hand. 

Meanwhile, in Gjilan/Gnjilane, discussions with the Municipality’s Department of Urbanism, Planning and Environmental Protection and the local organization Varg e Vi focused on how to balance urban development with inclusivity and social cohesion. 

Across all three municipalities, participants combined on-site observations with data analysis, beginning to shape their first design concepts and ideas based on the information collected and feedback from local actors. This iterative process of learning, reflection, and co-creation is helping them translate complex challenges into practical, community-driven solutions. 

Next stage, all teams will reunite in Pristina to synthesize their findings and further develop concrete design proposals that respond to the challenges observed in the field. 

Supported by Germany and Switzerland through GIZ Kosovo, the Lab empowers young professionals to turn local insights into tangible, climate-resilient solutions for Kosovo’s cities.