Organised by the Czech Association for Landscape Architecture, international conference Urbanscapes 2026 will focus on the sustainable transformation of highly urbanised, post-industrial landscapes. The conference centres on balancing conservation and development, supporting long-term strategies that offer ecological, social, and economic benefits.

Key questions include:
– How can we develop post-industrial areas without erasing their identity?
– What forms of planning and stewardship strengthen resilience and local value?
– How can design support environmental regeneration and economic transition?

Themes range from systemic urban strategies and ecological restoration to artistic interventions and community-based approaches. The conference will also highlight international case studies from Germany, Ireland, the UK, Poland, and the USA.

Programme Overview

Tuesday 21 April
– Morning session: The Power of Place and Vision
Speakers: Henri Bava (Agence Ter), Jan Světlík, Svetlana Krettková + Mads Kjær Ravn (ADEPT)
– Afternoon I: Transforming with Nature
Contributions from MAPPA Ostrava, Ingo Kowarik, topoScape
– Afternoon II: Investment and the Value of Transformation
Keynote: Phill Askew (Peabody, GB)
– Student Pecha Kucha + Evening Networking

Wednesday 22 April
– Morning I: Integrated Strategies
Contributions from Metropolis Barcelona, West Midlands NP Lab, REFRESH project, RRA ÚK
– Morning II: Transformation for Quality of Life
Speakers include Jan Schollaert, Daniel Novotný, Zuzana Štemberová, Magdalena Smetanová
– Afternoon: Mobility as Landscape
Focus on Ostrava’s urban mobility strategies and spatial connectivity

Thursday 23 April
– Excursions
Three parallel guided field visits:
– Slag heaps and post-industrial landscape
– Central Ostrava (public spaces and civic infrastructure)
– Leaning Church and surrounding terrain

Early bird registration is open until 26 January 2026.
All lectures will be interpreted (EN-CZ).