Project Description

The Urban Development Center (UDC) from Belgrade is a proud partner in the Erasmus+ project WatHerMines (Mines and Water: Interpreting European Industrial Heritage), a forward-thinking initiative aimed at exploring the cultural and environmental impacts of post-industrial landscapes across Europe. The project is supported under the Cooperation Partnerships in Higher Education action and brings together a consortium of prestigious institutions: Högskolan Dalarna (Sweden), Università degli Studi di Bergamo (Italy), Haute Ecole Provinciale de Hainaut – Condorcet (Belgium), and UDC (Serbia). These partners work together to strengthen the academic and educational links between their countries and promote industrial heritage as a valuable cultural asset.
Project ObjectivesThe WatHerMines project seeks to raise awareness of the long-term impacts that industrial activities have had on European landscapes and communities. Using digital tools like virtual tours and online courses, the project will provide innovative educational resources for both students and the general public, emphasizing how industrial heritage can drive economic resilience and tourism.One of the primary outcomes will be the creation of a 3D virtual tour focused on an industrial heritage site in Serbia, developed in collaboration with Högskolan Dalarna and UDC. This tour will serve as a model for interpreting industrial heritage, making it accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.
Main ActivitiesThe consortium will undertake several key activities over the course of the project, including:A comprehensive textbook titled Mines and Water: Interpreting European Industrial Heritage, produced by Haute Ecole Provinciale de Hainaut – Condorcet in Belgium. This resource will provide academic insights into industrial heritage and its alternative uses.
An online course on European industrial heritage, developed by Högskolan Dalarna, which will include modular content and serve as a learning platform for students at partner institutions.
A 3D virtual heritage tour of a Serbian industrial site, created by UDC and Högskolan Dalarna, showcasing the innovative use of digital tools in heritage interpretation.Collaboration and Innovation

The WatHerMines project is an exemplary model of cross-border cooperation. Each partner brings its unique expertise: UDC leads the digital platform development, Haute Ecole Provinciale de Hainaut – Condorcet contributes its deep knowledge of cultural tourism, and Università degli Studi di Bergamo and Högskolan Dalarna adds its expertise in heritage management and academic collaboration. Together with UDC, these institutions are creating new methodologies for interpreting and promoting industrial heritage through digital means.

The project’s innovative approach, including digital heritage tools and immersive experiences, aims to bring new perspectives to both education and tourism in Europe.
Partners

Högskolan Dalarna (Sweden): Lead partner responsible for the online course development and technical coordination.
Università degli Studi di Bergamo (Italy): Contributing expertise in cultural heritage management and hosting the project’s kick-off meeting.
Haute Ecole Provinciale de Hainaut – Condorcet (Belgium): Leading the development of the project’s textbook and organizing an intensive study program.
Urban Development Center (Serbia): Coordinating the creation of the 3D virtual tour and hosting the final project multiplier event in Belgrade in May 2024.

Conclusion

The WatHerMines project showcases the potential of industrial heritage to be reinterpreted in creative and sustainable ways. By integrating technology with cultural heritage, the project aims to ensure that these historical landscapes continue to play a vital role in Europe’s collective identity. UDC’s involvement highlights its ongoing commitment to promoting urban development and cultural preservation through innovative, people-centered solutions.