Urban Acupuncture: Fellowship in Kassel

Within the framework of the Ta’ziz Partnership for scientific cooperation project titled: “Urban Acupuncture - UA: A strategy of catalytic Interventions”, we are pleased to announce the call for our second fellowship. This fellowship will be hosted at the Department of Urban Regeneration and Planning Theory – Kassel University. The project offers three fellowship positions for Doctoral candidates and Master students to spend two months at Kassel University. The accepted candidates will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the German teaching and research systems.

The fellowship focuses on tailoring the urban acupuncture theory to the German context with special focus on “Olof Palme Haus” case study in Kassel. The main of objective is to propose an interim use that can reactivate the area again. The fellowship aims to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration among young researchers across different academic and cultural backgrounds. The visiting fellows will actively engage in various activities at Kassel University. This will involve observing and participating in various aspects of the university's educational and research processes, gaining valuable insights into the local academic culture.

Olof Palme Haus:

For decades, the Olof-Palme-Haus was a meeting place for many people in the district “Süsterfeld-Helleböhn”. In 2018, the year before it was unexpectedly closed due to the risk of collapse, around 70,000 people visited the community center. They took part in courses run by the Volkshochschule (VHS) or attended events organized by the 25 clubs represented there. This building was acquired by the city of Kassel in 1981 and used as a community center. For the people of Süsterfeld, the demolition of the building also stands for the hope that something new will be built on this site in the foreseeable future. After all, they have not been able to use their community center since March 2019.

Requirements:

All the following documents should be combined in one PDF-document titled (Fellowship in Kassel_Last and First Names) and submitted via the online portal in the same order below*:

1. Motivation letter 300 words
2. Short Curriculum vitae (CV) - Maximum 3 Pages
3. Portfolio - Maximum 8 Pages
4. Certificates: (Bachelor and Master certificates if applicable)

*In case any of the required documents is not submitted, the selection committee will directly ignore the submission.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in one or more of the following fields: urban planning, urban design, landscape planning, and architecture.
• Applicants must be able to communicate in written and spoken English at an advanced/professional level.

Why Apply?

The fellowship aims to promote cross-cultural understanding, strengthen academic networks, and enhance the research and teaching capabilities in the field of Urban Acupuncture of the participating universities. By bringing together young researchers from different parts of the world, Kassel University seeks to create an enriching and collaborative environment that fosters innovation, intellectual growth, and intercultural dialogue.

Financial Support:

The fellowship is fully funded. The fund includes flat rate travel allowance according to DAAD guidelines (for a round trip) and flat rate monthly allowance (for two months).

Accommodation:

During the fellowship program, fellows will have the autonomy to plan their stay in Kassel according to their individual needs and preferences. The International office at Kassel University will provide valuable recommendations and guidance, ensuring that fellows are aware of the available resources and opportunities. However, the responsibility for organizing accommodation, transportation, and personal arrangements lies with each fellow. This approach encourages independence and self-reliance while allowing fellows to shape their experience in Kassel.

Fellowship Host Institute:

Fellowship will take place at the Department of Urban Regeneration and Planning Theory – Kassel University – Germany

Application Timeline:

• Call for Applications: Thursday, 15^th February 2024
• Application Deadline: Thursday, 22^nd February 2024 (23:59 CET)
• Short listing and invitation for Interviews: Tuesday, 27^th February 2024
• Interview: Thursday, 29^th February 2024 (TBC)

For further questions and inquiries, please feel free to contact us: fellowship@urbanacupuncture.de