The international scientific conference Improving Liveability in Historic Urban Landscapes: Historic Urban Landscapes of Mostar & Sarajevo – Status and Perspectives of Protection was held on 4–5 December 2025 at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Sarajevo.
The academic community, led by the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Sarajevo, assumed the role of creator of a platform for critical reflection, providing expert support in understanding and developing innovative tools and methodologies for the implementation of the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach. This was achieved through dialogue with key stakeholders and critical engagement with examples of good international practice.
The conference brought together experts in architecture, urban planning, cultural heritage protection, and public policy to discuss challenges and opportunities for improving the quality of life in the historic urban environments of Mostar and Sarajevo. Particular emphasis was placed on linking theoretical frameworks, regulatory instruments, and practical experience, with a focus on how historic urban landscapes can remain vibrant, inclusive, and resilient in the face of social, economic, and environmental pressures.
Over the course of the two conference days, a rich programme of keynote lectures, conference sessions, thematic panels, and open discussions was delivered. Speakers from Austria, China, Germany, Spain, Türkiye, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Palestine, and Bosnia and Herzegovina presented their research and professional experience, fostering dialogue around two key thematic strands. The first examined the current state and future prospects of implementing the HUL approach in Sarajevo and Mostar, including institutional and legal frameworks, issues of social inclusion, the role of local communities in planning and heritage management processes, site-specific challenges, and findings from relevant doctoral research. The second thematic strand offered insights into global experiences and emerging research, with the aim of their meaningful and context-sensitive adaptation to the local conditions of Sarajevo and Mostar.
The conference was organised by the University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Architecture, with the support of the Federal Ministry of Education and Science.
The project leader was assist. prof. dr Lejla Džumhur, Chair of the Department of Theory and History of Architecture and Architectural Heritage Protection at the Faculty of Architecture.
Members of the scientific and organizing team included assist. prof. dr Lejla Džumhur, in her role as team leader, and prof. dr Aida Idrizbegović Zgonić, assist. prof. dr Lejla Kahrović Handžić, msc arch. Ammar Akšamija, MSc arch Edib Pašić, and prof. dr Lemja Chabbouh Akšamija, as team members.
