Urban Transformation Project Sarajevo - UTPS

  • Project Name
    Urban Transformation Project Sarajevo - UTPS
  • Project Phase
    January 2021 to September 2025
  • Funding
    Government of Switzerland through the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)
  • Thematic focus
    Urban Engagement
    Good Governance

Sarajevo faces complex urban development challenges driven by rapid urbanization, climate change, fragmented planning processes and limited access to reliable spatial data. Traditional planning approaches have struggled to respond to these challenges in an integrated, participatory and forward-looking manner. UTPS was designed to address these gaps by supporting institutions in modernizing planning systems, strengthening collaboration between public authorities, experts and citizens, and embedding sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness into urban development processes.

This project was completed in 2025

UTPS contributes to the modernization of integrated urban planning in Sarajevo Canton, creating improved conditions for sustainable, inclusive and climate-resilient socio-economic development. The project strengthens institutional capacities, governance frameworks and participatory processes in spatial and urban planning, while introducing innovative digital tools and international best practices.

Key sectors include:

  • Integrated urban and spatial planning

  • Climate resilience and nature-based solutions

  • Urban mobility

  • Digitalization and data-driven planning

  • Participatory governance and citizen engagement

Target Group

Primary beneficiaries include institutions of Sarajevo Canton and the City of Sarajevo responsible for spatial and urban planning, municipalities, urban planners and academia. The project also directly benefits citizens of Sarajevo through improved public spaces, transparent planning processes and increased opportunities for participation in decision-making.

 

 

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Key Results

  • Supported evidence-based decision-making related to the draft Urban Plan of Sarajevo Canton by improving access to urban data, strengthening governance and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

  • Introduced innovative digital planning tools, including the first Digital Urban Twin of Sarajevo Canton, the Metadata Catalogue and Studio Mobil, enabling visualization and testing of urban development scenarios in real time and increasing transparency.

  • Prioritized green spaces and nature-based solutions through the implementation of 27 Urban Green Space Actions, four thematic publications and the sharing of 35 global good practices in sustainable urban design.

  • Strengthened Sarajevo’s Urban Mobility Strategy by promoting people-centered and multimodal transport planning, supported by analyses of urban corridors, transport networks and mobility principles presented in three dedicated publications.

  • Translated strategic planning concepts into tangible improvements through urban prototypes and small-scale interventions, including the cable car area, the SSI Pavilion and interventions at the Music Academy, demonstrating the impact of design-led solutions on public life.

  • Placed public participation at the core of urban planning through the development of the participacija.ba online platform, one dedicated publication on good practices in public participation, and a series of workshops, public hearings and expert roundtables engaging citizens directly in planning processes.

  • Established the Urban Design Studio Sarajevo as a physical space for dialogue and experimentation, hosting over 54 exhibitions and public events.

  • Strengthened academic collaboration and capacity-building through new AI and digitalization courses, joint seminars and summer schools between ETH Zurich and the University of Sarajevo.

More Information 

Urban Transformation Project Sarajevo
Participacija.ba