Urban Informality in Flux: Urban Acupuncture Minding the Gap between Planning Strategies and Urban Realities in the Greater Cairo Region

The program is crafted to equip architects, designers, and enthusiasts with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform urban spaces.

The winter school is a unique opportunity to dive deep into the world of informal settlements, exploring their various types, historical development, and the ways they are governed in a bustling metropolitan area. This program seeks to understand the gaps between what urban planners envision and the reality on the ground, including what communities actually need and expect during these times of rapid urban change. Participants will get hands-on experience by working on a real case study in an area that needs revitalization. They'll learn about the 'urban acupuncture' approach, which focuses on small, strategic changes that can have a big impact, like revamping open spaces to boost social and economic well-being.  Additionally, the workshop provides a platform to interact directly with experts from five international universities, as well as local professionals and community members, ensuring a well-rounded and practical learning experience.

A tentative schedule for the winter school will be announced soon.

Requirements:

All the following documents should be combined in one PDF-document - max. 8 MB, titled (Winter School in Egypt_Last Name) 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)
5. Personal Portrait Photo - 1500*1500 Pixels (must show the full face of the applicant so that they can be readily identified and with a white background)
6. Copy of first page of valid passport for International participants. For Egyptian participants copy of the ID would be sufficient (front and back of the ID)

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

Eligibility:

• Bachelor and Master students and doctoral candidates from Germany, Egypt, Iraq and Lebanon in one or more of the following fields: urban planning, urban design, landscape planning, and architecture are eligible to participate.
• Applicants must be able to communicate in written and spoken English at an advanced/professional level.

Financial Support:

The winter School is fully funded for international students. The fund includes travel allowance according to DAAD guidelines (for a round trip) and per diem.

Winter School Partners:

Kassel University, Babylon University, Beirut Arab Univsity, Alexandria University, Duhok University, Ain Shams University and Bayt Yakan

Application Timeline:

• Call for Applications: Friday, 19^th July 2024
• Application Deadline: Saturday, 27^th July 2024 (21:00 CET)
• For further questions and inquiries, please feel free to contact us: workshop@urbanacupuncture.de