Open Call 2026
After two successful symposia in 2022 and 2023 and several smaller events in the years since, we are happy to announce the 3rd edition of the (re)searching urbanity symposium in June 2026. Under the title of “(un)learning urbanity”, we want to continue to explore various urban issues from critical and interdisciplinary perspectives, such as queer-feminism, postcolonialism and ecology.
When and Where:
June 19-21, Berlin, Germany
What:
We are looking for contributions (in English or German) on the topic of (un)learning urbanity – all backgrounds (whether practice, research, art, or activism) and formats are welcome.
How:
Applications are open until February 22. You can find the submission form below
(UN)Learning: what does it mean?
In its 3rd edition, the symposium turns to the theme “(un)learning urbanity.” (Un)learning is not simply forgetting. Neither does it represent the erasure of knowledge. By (un)learning, we understand the deliberate challenging and questioning of normalised assumptions, frameworks and behaviours that may limit our ability to imagine alternative futures.
When applied to urbanity, (un)learning becomes a way of questioning the familiar city: the ‘urban’ models, practices, and everyday habits that we live by and research through.
We invite you to join us in exploring (un)learning as a critical method and a collective process towards a more inclusive, plural and just urban knowledge and practice: to actively question the knowledge, ‘norms’, frameworks and urban imaginaries we take for granted; to unsettle the familiar; to inhabit the uncomfortable spaces of critique and possibility.
(re)searching urbanity: who we are
We are a collective of scholars, practitioners, and curious minds from different disciplines. Our roots trace back to a group of students in Berlin, now working across academic, urban, architectural, social, political, and philosophical practices and beyond. What brought us together is our mutual wish to envision a more just city for all from interdisciplinary and intersectional perspectives.
Guided by the values of joyful exchange and co-learning, we seek to dissolve strict hierarchies between “researcher” and “practitioner,” “academic”, and “activist.” Our aim is to explore, question, and (re)imagine how urban life is produced, lived, and understood by bringing a broad spectrum of voices into conversation.
Exemplary themes and questions
In its 3rd edition, the symposium turns to the theme “(un)learning urbanity.” (Un)learning is not simply forgetting. Neither does it represent the erasure of knowledge. By (un)learning, we understand the deliberate challenging and questioning of normalised assumptions, frameworks and behaviours that may limit our ability to imagine alternative futures.
When applied to urbanity, (un)learning becomes a way of questioning the familiar city: the ‘urban’ models, practices, and everyday habits that we live by and research through.
We invite you to join us in exploring (un)learning as a critical method and a collective process towards a more inclusive, plural and just urban knowledge and practice: to actively question the knowledge, ‘norms’, frameworks and urban imaginaries we take for granted; to unsettle the familiar; to inhabit the uncomfortable spaces of critique and possibility.
Disclaimer: We are a self-organised, volunteer group of young people without external funding. Our time, space, and financial resources are limited. Therefore, we are unfortunately unable to implement all submitted proposals and cannot currently offer honoraria. However, we continue to seek funding and, whenever possible, provide support such as accommodation or networking opportunities.