Workshop by the Fix Union team

“When you see your ideas become something physical, it’s a completely different feeling. You literally feel your work,” says Anastasiia Huryna, a graduate of Urban Rukh, co-author of the “VidLunnia” project, and a participant of the workshop.

In March 2026, the Fix Union team helped the graduates of the third cohort of Urban Rukh implement part of the therapeutic garden project “VidLunnia.” The workshop took place at our production facility, where participants worked hands-on to create outdoor furniture for this space. These objects will later become part of the area near the maternity ward of Lviv City Clinical Hospital No. 3.

The “VidLunnia” project is an initiative by graduates of the third cohort of Urban Rukh in Lviv, developed under the mentorship of Renata Seifullina. The team reimagined a site near the hospital, which led to the concept of a therapeutic garden — a quiet space where calm, silence, and support are essential. It is intended as a place for mental well-being for patients, their families, and medical staff.
 

“The ‘VidLunnia’ project has become not only an educational case but also a space for developing responsibility,” notes Solomiia Shcheholska, co-author of the Urban Rukh program and architect. “It is a platform for building skills of care and working with local context — from addressing flooding issues to creating a sensitive environment for hospital patients. It is valuable that professional experts were involved in the process, and that the furniture solutions were implemented together with the Fix Union team. Initiatives and partnerships like this show how ideas turn into real changes in cities.”

During the workshop, teenagers not only learned about working with materials but also directly participated in the process. It was a full production cycle — from raw material to a finished furniture element. Participants actively worked with wood and went through the main stages of its processing.
 

“First, we calibrated the material to the required size using a thickness planer — specialized equipment that ensures precise thickness of wooden elements. Then we sanded the wood with orbital sanders to achieve a smooth surface and prepare it for further processing. After mechanical treatment, we worked with the wood manually, smoothing edges and sharp parts to make the surface safe and pleasant to the touch. It’s really great to see genuine interest and enthusiasm in what you do,” commented Yaromyr Shevtsiv, Head of Woodworking.

Participants were also introduced to the use of special wood oils that protect against weather conditions, moisture, and temperature changes — a key factor for the durability of outdoor furniture. Such solutions determine how long the objects will perform in real urban environments. The final stage was the assembly of the prepared elements. In addition to the practical part, participants were also introduced to preparatory production processes that usually remain “behind the scenes.”

“It is important for us to support such educational initiatives, as we are interested in promoting professions related to manufacturing, design, and shaping urban spaces. We want young people to see how outdoor furniture is created — the kind that shapes the city environment,” said Pavlo Straz, Director of Fix Union.

Participants experienced the full cycle of creating urban improvement elements — from idea and design to installation in a real urban environment. The workshop took place in a lively atmosphere: teenagers активно asked questions and showed strong interest in materials and the principles of creating urban furniture. For many, it was their first opportunity to see how production works in practice and how technical solutions influence the comfort of urban spaces.

“The involvement of socially responsible businesses in youth initiatives is not only about resource support but also about setting an example of environmentally conscious and city-engaged business. We are very grateful to our partners and truly value their contribution,” says Sofiia Denysiuk, coordinator of Urban Rukh.

Such educational initiatives demonstrate that urbanism is not only about architecture or city planning. It is also about engineering, materials, production, and the people who shape the look and functionality of modern cities every day.

Urban Rukh “The City Has Me” is a nationwide non-formal educational program on urbanism for teenagers aged 13–17. The initiative is based on the book “The City Has Me” by Iryna Ozymok and developed in collaboration with experts and activists. The project is implemented with the support of the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund and organizational support from “Today for the Future.” The team presented and defended the project idea in summer 2025 at Lviv Urban Forum 2025, later won a grant for implementation, and in autumn defined the planting concept and types of outdoor furniture. During winter, participants worked on organizational and design processes, and in spring 2026 the furniture-making workshop took place. Installation and final works are planned in the near future.