Building Beyond Architecture: The CANactions Story
Interview with Urs Thomann
Swiss urban planner and co-founder of the CANactions School, a unique educational platform in Kyiv and Amsterdam
What were the key turning points in CANactions’ evolution, and how did it respond to post-Maidan Ukraine?
The Euromaidan protests of 2013–2014, sparked by President Yanukovych’s decision to abandon the EU–Ukraine Association Agreement in favor of closer ties to Russia, reshaped the country. For CANactions, this moment led directly to the creation of the School, driven by civic mobilization, the push for European integration, and the vision of European-style cities.
Post-Maidan Ukraine offered new opportunities for young, educated people but little practical experience in shaping cities.
The School responded by focusing on hands-on, interdisciplinary group work on real cases from participants’ home cities—moving beyond theory to create tangible urban change. It marked a shift from architecture to urbanism, from buildings and forms to people and living, giving architecture a social dimension.
The idea took root when a few of us, including Viktor Zotov, Valentyna Zotova, and Vladyslav Tyminskyi, recognized the need for a school dedicated to urban development and planning. With no budget or partners, we secured a donor for our first Studio, bringing in a fantastic first class and tutors from our personal networks. Together, they formed the “CANactions community,” which has grown steadily ever since.
Photo Credits:
Andriy MikhaylovDate:
August 13, 2025
