The world is being urbanised at breakneck speed. Exploring our cities from different perspectives is a growing need and allows us to keep pace with this development. Especially relevant in this regard, is the linking of diverse questions of democracy, allied to economic and social segregation within cities’ physical structures. Färgfabriken’s international program, New Urban Topologies is an initiative that rose from such questions. For example, those that challenge the lack of methods for dialogue between the cities’ different voices and interests. Until today, New Urban Topologies operated in the Baltic States, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East, North Africa and South-East Asia. The work was primarily carried out in cities that have a shortage of democratic development and face extensive challenges, like endangered public spaces, a lack of transparency and significant environmental questions. New Urban Topologies are always looking for new ways to formulate societies and the city. Methods of thinking that have contributed to the birth of these new projects, are Baltic Dimensions and Patchwork of Narratives. It is the contact with people and ideas that inspire and develop these projects.
Färgfabriken's international program New Urban Topologies was created in 2010 to explore how urbanization is related to city development and culture. This film is an introduction to the programme and shows a selection of the issues, topics, and cities that NUT has worked with over the years.
A collage of images and quotes from the implementation of New Urban Topologies during 2018-2019 focusing on the city of Phnom Penh. The collage gives an idea of the issues and workshop results that the participants from different countries in the region worked with.
Previous activities
Dhaka
November 2019
An investigation of the rural and urban aspects of the landscape in collaboration with Bengal Institute of Architecture, Landscape and Settlements.
Tbilisi
October 2019
Field visits along the river banks and islets, to parks and to the historic district, followed by seminars and workshop in collaboration with the Faculty of Technology at Caucasian University and Project ArtBeat.
Cambodia
2018
Meetings to create a network in the region for exchanges in culture, architecture, urban planning and issues related to human rights.
Yangon
December 2017
Workshops, conference and a car free street-fair on one of central streets of the city.
The Ukrainian Puzzle
Autum 2017
"The Ukranian Puzzle" - a touring exhibition and public program building on the experiences from four Ukrainian cities.
Odessa
September 2016
"The Ukranian Puzzle" - about dialogue and participatory urban planning. Finds connections between organisations, activists, artists, politicians and citizens.
Yangon
Nov 2015
A follow up on the visit in May to promote better mutual understanding and a holistic view.
Poltava
Sep 2015
Focusing on strengthening civil society, the fight against corruption and visions for the future.
Kaliningrad
Oct 2015
A connection between culture and water through the Val, the Water Ring of Kaliningrad
Yangon
May 2015
Democratic acupuncture through art and urban planing.
Ternopil
Nov 2014
Strengthening of civil society networks and models for communication with authorities.
Alexandria III
2014
Sustainability, security, recycling and the specific needs of children and women.
Kharkiv
2013
"The older teach the younger, but in the end I'm not sure who actually learns something."
Alexandria II
2013
Digital communications were vital in the political changes -what comes after?
Mostar
2012
This disputed area is in the middle of change. How to make this into a place that unites and creates spaces for all of Mostars inhabitants?
Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya
2012
Discussions about disaster prevention and walkable and bicycle friendly cities.
Amman
2012
Amman is currently going through changes that affect the growth, urban form and socioeconomic dimensions of the city.
Stockholm
2011
Exchange of experiences and identify problematic and successful aspects of the city of Stockholm
Alexandria I
2011
Barely a year after the revolution, artists, architects and students met in Alexandria to discuss the city's history, idenity and potential.
Skopje
2011
The city of Skopje is a mix of a lot of different styles and cultures. In later years, the central parts have gone though big changes.
Chișinău
2010
In co-operation with the artistic institutes of Oberliht and Gallery Ў, Färgfabriken created a space for intense talks about urban development.
Minsk
2010
City parks threatened by big constructions and anonymous module suburbs emerging at breakneck-speed.