Urban interventions, in general, are deliberate actions aimed at improving the structure and function of urban spaces, addressing both social and environmental challenges within cities. These interventions can take many forms but are primarily intended to enhance the livability, sustainability, and inclusivity of urban environments.
They contribute significantly to the social and green transformation of cities by increasing public access to green spaces, promoting community engagement, and rethinking underutilized areas to respond to contemporary urban needs. By fostering these changes, urban interventions help create healthier, more resilient urban landscapes that support ecological balance and social cohesion, serving as a critical component of modern urban planning and development.
My name is Igor Kupec, and I have been engaged in a variety of urban interventions focused on transforming the city environment in innovative ways. One of the key aspects of my work involves creatively rethinking graffiti in Košice, Slovakia, turning what is traditionally considered vandalism into functional art that adds value to urban spaces.
For example, I convert graffiti tags into signed apologies from the original taggers, transforming an act often viewed negatively into a social dialogue about responsibility and community. In another project, I have transformed graffiti tags into job application letters, which serve as powerful social commentary on the marginalized groups often behind these tags. I have also created artistic checks from graffiti, symbolically reflecting on the societal cost of urban neglect.
These projects demonstrate how urban interventions can go beyond physical improvements and foster social awareness and community engagement. By turning graffiti into thought-provoking pieces, I encourage conversations about urban life, collective responsibility, and the potential for change within cityscapes.
Here are some images from my urban projects:
Graffiti tags transformed into formal apology letters.
Tags changed to proclamation
Artistic checks created from graffiti symbols.
Through these interventions, I aim to show how small-scale, creative urban projects can contribute to broader goals of social cohesion, urban renewal, and environmental sustainability. This approach exemplifies how urban planning can integrate artistic innovation and community involvement to create more vibrant, green, and socially responsive cities.
By incorporating these types of interventions into urban planning frameworks, cities can encourage more inclusive public spaces and sustainable urban growth that benefits all residents.