Urban planning is more than drawing lines on paper – it is about people, inclusion and a deep understanding of space. It means seeing the city as a living, evolving environment, especially in times of war and during post-war recovery. This human-centred approach defines the teaching philosophy at the Department of Urban Planning and Design, Institute of Architecture and Design, Lviv Polytechnic. From their first year of study, students engage not only in drawing and modelling, but also in direct interaction with the urban environment through practical tasks connected to the city’s history, culture and development.
The Department firmly believes that urbanism is especially vital and relevant today. That is why participation in exhibitions, competitions, and forums – where students can present their work to a wider audience – is an essential part of the educational process.
One of such events was the exhibition «Art Nouveau. Through the Eyes of Students of Lviv Polytechnic National University», organised in partnership with the Heritage Bureau and the Art Library. Held from 10 to 20 June 2025, the exhibition featured 20 graphic works by the first-year students, each dedicated to the theme of Lviv Secession (Art Nouveau), and was hosted in the library.
– We presented graphic works that students performed as part of the course «Architectural Graphics and Composition, Part 2» in their first year of study. The students’ assignment was to walk around Lviv, capture photographs of Art Nouveau buildings and create sketches of their general appearance as well as specific architectural details, explained Yaryna Onufriv.
The students independently selected the buildings, artistic techniques and composition for their works. The teachers provided guidance only at the initial stage, offering suggestions on what to observe and which architectural details might be worth highlighting.
Studying at the Department is also an opportunity to participate in various workshops and exchange programmes with foreign universities, which provides invaluable experience and skills.
– In 2023–2024, approximately seven students each year took part in an academic exchange with the Warsaw University of Technology through the NAWA programme. Under Erasmus+, the Department has signed a cooperation agreement with the Brandenburg University of Technology in Germany, valid until 2026. Two to three students participate annually in semester-long studies there. The Department also collaborates within the framework of DAAD programmes, which have enabled students to take part in joint workshops held in both Germany and Ukraine. Faculty members are also actively involved, participating in internships and professional workshops abroad, says Yaryna Onufriv.
