Call for Participation until June 27, 2025 | International Workshop for FAUP's PhD Students - Mosaic Modernism: Conserving Tashkent's Architectural Heritage

Application Deadline: 27 June 2025

Dates: 14 – 19 October 2025
Location: Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Uzbekistan
Target Audience: PhD students from the Faculty of Architecture, University of Porto (FAUP) – 5 available places.

The Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP), in collaboration with the Tashkent University of Architecture and Civil Engineering (Uzbekistan) and the O.M. Beketov National University of Urban Economy in Kharkiv (O.M. Beketov NUUEKh), invites applications for the international workshop Mosaic Modernism: Conserving Tashkent's Architectural Heritage.

This workshop offers the opportunity to delve into the formal and symbolic language of modernist architecture, particularly within the post-Soviet context of Tashkent. The city is renowned for its prefabricated buildings adorned with decorative mosaics and tile work, many dating back to the 1960s. These artistic interventions not only enhanced the city's aesthetic but also contributed significantly to its cultural identity during the post-Soviet era.

The workshop is particularly pertinent for PhD students whose research focuses on themes such as the preservation and rehabilitation of modern architectural heritage, integration of contemporary energy efficiency solutions in historic buildings, and critical analysis of architecture as a cultural and political expression. The workshop will be supported by Erasmus+ Programme (short-term PhD mobility) and daily allowance and travel assistance (¤79/day, plus ¤1,188 for travel support, resulting in a total grant of ¤1,583).

Objectives:

• Explore the history of mosaics and tile work in outdoor environments, with an emphasis on Tashkent's decorative façades.
• Investigate methods for preserving decorative elements in buildings, considering modern energy rehabilitation needs.
• Apply techniques for cleaning, repairing, and restoring architectural artworks.

Activities:

• Theoretical sessions and lectures by experts on the evolution and cultural significance of architectural art in Tashkent.
• Guided visits to emblematic buildings in Tashkent and Samarkand, with on-site analysis of decorative façades.
• Practical sessions focused on restoration techniques and preservation strategies.
• Collaborative projects integrating modern technologies and energy efficiency standards with heritage preservation.

Outcomes:

• Development of skills in conservation techniques.
• In-depth understanding of the challenges in preserving architectural art in contemporary urban contexts.
• Compilation and publication of workshop results in the academic series BASICS by DOM Publishers.

Application:

• A motivation letter explaining your interest in the workshop, its relevance to your current doctoral research, and the anticipated benefits of your participation (max. 500 words) – 60%.
• A narrative CV, highlighting your academic background, research experience, and any pertinent projects or publications (max. 500 words) – 40%.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
• Submit the above documents by email to Prof. Ana Neiva (aneiva@arq.up.pt) - email subject: Mosaic Modernism: Conserving Tashkent's Architectural Heritage
  
  Important:
  
  
• Following the selection process, results will be communicated by email after the Notification of Results on 10 July 2025. Only selected participants will then be required to complete the formal application on the SIGARRA platform, under the Erasmus+ Programme for short-term PhD mobility, along with any additional steps needed to finalise their registration.
• For assistance with the application process, contact Conceição Noverça (mnoverca@arq.up.pt), who will guide you through the formalities and provide necessary support.

Important Dates:

• Application Deadline: 27 June 2025
• Notification of Results: 10 July 2025
• Registration on SIGARRA Platform: 31 July 2025
• Workshop Dates: 14–19 October 2025

FAUP Contact:

• FAUP: Prof. Ana Neiva – aneiva@arq.up.pt

Partners:

• Goethe-Institut
• Casa da Arquitetura