Urban Acupuncture

18/12/2025

🌍 You’re warmly invited! 🌍

We are delighted to invite you to the Closing Event of the Urban Acupuncture Project, marking the conclusion of our three-year journey of collaboration, research, and exchange 🤝✨

🗓 Friday, 19 December 2025
⏰ Event Times:
• 09:00–12:00 (Germany)
• 10:00–13:00 (Cairo & Beirut)
• 11:00–14:00 (Iraq)

This online event will bring together project partners, academics, fellows, and invited speakers to reflect on key outcomes, share insights, and discuss future perspectives and collaborations.

🎤 Invited Speakers & Talks:
✨ Kareem Ibrahim – Revitalisation of Historic Esna Project
🏆 An Aga Khan Award–winning project (2025), showcasing innovative heritage-led urban revitalisation.

✨ Sara Massarani – Life in Public Spaces Beyond Public Parks in Lebanon
Exploring everyday urban spaces and alternative forms of public life beyond formal parks.

✨ Mohammad Al Hariri – Urban Co-production: Building Common Narratives
Reflecting on participatory processes and shared storytelling in urban development.

Your participation will greatly enrich the discussion and offer a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the wider Urban Acupuncture community 🌐

📄 The agenda is attached for your reference.

🔗 Zoom Meeting Details:
👉 Join here: https://zoom.us/j/94344428482?pwd=3OIftjEjFsm0WI9TgSXU84Lr5NXQRI.1

🆔 Meeting ID: 943 4442 8482
🔑 Passcode: 549570

We very much hope you can join us for this special closing moment! 💬✨

08/06/2025

🔥 Deadline Extended! 🔥
Missed the first cut-off? You’ve got another shot! Applications for our 2025 Fellowship “Healing the River Corridor: Urban Acupuncture as a Catalyst for Green Connectivity and Public Life in Duhok” are now open until 16 June 2025 (22:00 CET).

Why apply?
🌱 Reimagine Duhok’s river corridor through small-scale, high-impact interventions.
🤝 Work side-by-side with experts from Germany, Lebanon, Egypt & Iraq in a real-world research studio.
✅ Fully funded: travel, accommodation, fieldwork costs—covered.
📅 Two-month residency starting 15 September 2025 at the University of Duhok’s College of City & Regional Planning.

Who we’re looking for:
master’s students, PhD candidates, or early-career researchers in urban planning, landscape architecture, environmental studies—or relevant fields.

📌 New deadline: 16 June 2025

APPLY NOW!
Fellowship Link: https://urbanacupuncture.de/.../urban-acupuncture.../
Website: https://urbanacupuncture.de/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urbacupuncture/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbacupuncture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbacupuncture/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_bQ-7IAwYJOtuIG65hsEQ

22/05/2025

✴️ Announcing our 2025 Fellowship Program.

We’re pleased to announce our third fellowship program:

“Healing the River Corridor: Urban Acupuncture as a Catalyst for Green Connectivity and Public Life in Duhok”

This fully-funded, two-month fellowship brings together six outstanding researchers, doctoral candidates, and master’s students from Germany, Lebanon, and Egypt to Duhok City, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq – starting September 15th, 2025.

Hosted by the College of City and Regional Planning at the University of Duhok, the fellowship will focus on reimagining Duhok’s river corridor through urban acupuncture, an approach that emphasizes small-scale interventions with large-scale urban impact.

Key Objectives:
• Revitalize neglected riverbanks as inclusive public spaces.
• Promote green connectivity and sustainable urban development.
• Collaborate in an interdisciplinary, real-world research environment.

Deadline: Sunday, June 8th, 2025 at 23:59 CET
Cost: Fully Funded

APPLY NOW!

Fellowship Link: https://urbanacupuncture.de/programs-2436/urban-acupuncture-fellowship-in-iraq-3022/

Website: https://urbanacupuncture.de/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urbacupuncture/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbacupuncture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbacupuncture/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_bQ-7IAwYJOtuIG65hsEQ

24/01/2025

We’re happy to share with you that the video summary from our winter school, “Urban Informality in Flux: Urban Acupuncture Minding the Gap between Planning Strategies and Urban Realities in the Greater Cairo Region”, held from 1st to 9th November 2024, is finally out!

Participants explored informal settlements in Alexandria and Cairo, gaining insights through expert lectures, site visits, and hands-on case studies. The journey began with an exploration of Alexandria’s rich history, followed by in-depth excursions across Cairo’s diverse urban landscapes. A major highlight was our participation in , where we showcased innovative urban interventions from Egypt, Morocco, and Germany.

The programme concluded with group presentations focusing on revitalising Souk El Selah, applying the Urban Acupuncture approach to public spaces.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue working towards sustainable urban transformation!

Video link: https://youtu.be/QwIC-2bDbTw?feature=shared

Link to learn more about the Winter School: https://urbanacupuncture.de/2025/01/08/urban-informality-in-flux-documentation-3008/

Link to learn more about our participation in WUF12: https://urbanacupuncture.de/2024/10/10/wuf12-cairo/

Urban Acupuncture: Minding the Gap between Planning Strategies and Urban Realities in the Greater Cairo Region, is a DAAD funded winter school in Egypt durin...

24/12/2024

🔻03| Winter school Documentation – 3rd Phase: Outcome & Presentations.

The final phase of our winter school included focusing on the main case study of Souk El Selah area whose input was provided by Prof. Dr. Alaa El Habashy at Bayt Yakan for heritage and arts.

Our students focused on four themes (dimensions); the first was the built environment (physical / land and shelter), the second was about the green infrastructure, the third was the local economy while the fourth was about basic urban services.

The participants were divided into four groups concerning the Alexandria phase and the informal settlements regional visits in the Cairo phase. Each group focused on analysing and observing one theme/dimension during the visits. In the last phase (focus case study) they were divided into eight groups with eight different outcomes for activating the public spaces following the Urban Acupuncture approach.

They presented their work in the form of visualised concepts (based on each theme) containing each
group’s reflections, observations, and recommendations. They were able to display and discuss their work on the closing event of the winter school which took place at Ain Shams University campus which was attended by Urban Acupuncture’s Ta’ziz project partners.

Thank you for following up so far, looking forward to sharing more and more activities to come.

18/12/2024

🔻02| Winter school Documentation –2nd Phase: Cairo Excursions & WUF12

For the next seven days, our participants had the chance to explore the Greater Cairo region through a series regional visits divided into four main excursions categorised under three levels. Three excursions were for gathering information purposes and the fourth was for the focus case study.

▪️The first level guided by the government represented by Mr. Khalil Shaat – from Cairo Governorate Bureau, included areas of: Rawdet Alsayeda, Souk El-Hatt, Elsokar and Ellamoun, Gaiara and Housh Elnakhl, Sour Magra El-O‘ion, Ain Alsira, Tal Alfustat, Batn ElBakr (Fustat View), Abu Qarn, Abu Elso‘oud Housing, Elgabakhana (Ezbet Khayrallah) and Alkhialla Housing.

▪️Second level was Manshiyyat Nasser area guided by the NGO of Youth Association for the Care of women and Improving the environment (YACI).

▪️Helwan area including Kafr Elelw, Arab Rashed and Elmalaka guided by As-hab Mekamelin (Friends in Continuity) local association among other spots in Greater Cairo.

▪️The third level which included the fourth excursion that was dedicated to Souk El Selah area which was the focus case study of this winter school guided by Arch. Alia Nassar, a founding member of Khazanah School of Heritage - a local NGO.

Fortunately, our participants’ stay in Cairo coincided with the UN-Habitat’s World Urban Forum in its twelfth session (WUF12) – which was a unique opportunity for them to attend a series of sessions supporting their study with further guidance to reach their outcome.

Intrigued to know more about our final phase?!

15/12/2024

🔻 01| Winter school Documentation – 1st Phase: Exploring Alexandria

Our participants had the opportunity to visit Alexandria for two days, through which they have been provided with an invaluable lecture by Prof. Dr. Zeyad Al-Sayad titled “Experimenting with Participatory Urban Design - Case Studies from Alexandria City Center” held at the Graeco-Roman Museum lecture hall. Following the lecture was a guided tour in the museum.

Speaking of tours! Our participants had the privilege to be guided by Ms. AlZahraa Awad in an open walking tour through El Nabi Daniel Street and Kom El-Deka region, adding depth to our students’ perception of the multi-layered history of Alexandria. In addition to another input by Prof.Dr. Nevin Gharib held at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina outer plaza followed by a guided tour in the library.

One last tour Alexandria had to offer, was through Al-Mahmoudiya Axis ending with hitting the road to Cairo for further activities.

Stay tuned for our next phase!

10/12/2024

🔻 We are pleased to share our latest activities throughout the past month!

Our winter school this year titled “Urban Informality in Flux: Urban Acupuncture Minding the Gap between Planning Strategies and Urban Realities in the Greater Cairo Region” took place from 1st till 9th of November 2024.

This winter school was a rich collaboration between Urban Acupuncture project, Ain Shams University (IUSD programme) represented by Prof. Dr. Mohamed Salheen and Dr. Ahmed Bakry, also Dr. Mohamed Anis as an additional key organiser from Kassel University. Not to mention, Bayt Yakan directed by Prof. Dr. Alaa El Habashy.

It was an opportunity to delve into the complexities of informal settlements in both Alexandria and the Greater Cairo region, examining their types, historical development, and governance within a metropolitan context to bridge the gap between urban planners' visions and the on- ground realities, addressing what communities need during periods of rapid urban transformation.

Participants engaged with a case study in an area requiring revitalisation, gaining practical experience in the innovative 'urban acupuncture' approach. This method emphasises small, strategic interventions, such as enhancing open spaces, to foster social and economic well-being.

The workshop also provided a valuable platform for interaction with experts from five international universities, alongside local professionals and community members, ensuring a comprehensive and practical learning experience.

🔸 Our documentation of this workshop is to be published in a series of following posts.

Stay tuned!

06/12/2024

At , we were pleased to hold a session titled “Empowering Communities for Sustainable Urban Transformation: Integrating Local Action with Urban Acupuncture”, featuring case studies from Egypt, Morocco, and Germany.

Session Highlights:

• Session Introduction that explored social challenges of top-down urban development in the MENA
region, including lack of community involvement, social inequity, and cultural disconnect.

• Presentations:

🔹 Urban Acupuncture Project – Showcased strategies for revitalizing cities in Egypt and Germany through precise, community-centred interventions.
🔹 Morocco’s National Agency for Urban Renewal and Rehabilitation – Shared case studies and outcomes from Moroccan cities focusing on community engagement.

• Engaging Panel Discussion:

Experts from both academic and non-academic sectors and communities, contributed to a discussion on fostering inclusivity, equity, and cultural sensitivity in urban projects.

This session focused on the importance of community engagement in creating sustainable urban
environments to serve their inhabitants and had emphasised the link between academic research of
the Urban Acupuncture Project and the practical implementation experience of Morocco’s National
Agency for Urban Renewal and Rehabilitation.

21/10/2024

Join us at WUF12 in Cairo!

We're thrilled to be part of the World Urban Forum (WUF12) taking place from November 4-8, 2024! Don't miss our session on Tuesday, November 5, Empowering Communities for Sustainable Urban Transformation: Integrating Local Action with Urban Acupuncture.

📅 Highlights:
- Community-led participation and sustainable decision making.
- Challenges faced by cities with a specific focus on case studies from Egypt, Morocco, and Germany.
- Importance of engaging local stakeholders.

Network with experts, explore strategies for healthier cities, and connect with academia, non-academic sectors, and communities.

For more details, visit our website: https://urbanacupuncture.de/2024/10/10/wuf12-cairo/

This event is part of our Urban Acupuncture,DAAD Ta’ziz Scientific Cooperations 2023-2025 project, in collaboration with the "Agence Nationale pour la Rénovation Urbaine et la Réhabilitation des Bâtiments Menaçant Ruine" in Morocco.

🔗 Register by October 30: https://wuf.unhabitat.org/news/registration-open-twelfth-session-world-urban-forum

WUF12 App
Download the WUF12 app, for quick access to the events and agenda of WUF12_iOS: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1627311218 - Android : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=events.socio.app2714&pcampaignid=web_share

Additionally, you can follow us on our social media:
Website: https://urbanacupuncture.de/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urbacupuncture/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbacupuncture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbacupuncture/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_bQ-7IAwYJOtuIG65hsEQ

01/08/2024

🌍✨ During their fellowship at Kassel University, our talented fellows successfully developed an innovative urban acupuncture strategy for several key case studies, including the Olof-Palme-Haus, the historic U-Bahn Station, the Main Train Station, and the former Möbel Salomon, among others.

Initially, the plan was to divide the fellows into two groups, each focusing on a different case study alongside the main project, Olof-Palme-Haus. However, after thoughtful discussions, they chose to unite as one team, collaborating on a comprehensive urban acupuncture strategy for Kassel.

The result? A Dynamic Modular Toolkit designed to activate underused and in-between urban spaces! The fellows even built a full-scale 1:1 physical model, which was presented and put to use during the "Olof-Palme-Haus Festival," engaging the public and gathering valuable feedback.

For more details on the fellowship outcome, please check the ArcGIS StoryMap on our website: https://urbanacupuncture.de/2024/07/26/kassel-reloaded-a-manifestation-for-urban-acupuncture/

Website: https://urbanacupuncture.de/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urbacupuncture/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbacupuncture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbacupuncture/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_bQ-7IAwYJOtuIG65hsEQ

26/07/2024

Don’t miss the chance to apply, DEADLINE is tomorrow

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

Are you an architect, designer, or urban enthusiast looking to transform urban spaces? Our winter school is the perfect opportunity for you!

Join us as we delve into the world of informal settlements, exploring their types, historical evolution, and governance within a bustling metropolis. This program will help you understand the gap between urban planning strategies and the realities on the ground, focusing on what communities truly need during times of rapid urban change.

Participants will engage in hands-on experiences, working on a real case study in an area needing revitalization. Learn about the 'urban acupuncture' approach, which emphasizes small, strategic interventions that create significant impacts, such as revamping open spaces to enhance social and economic well-being.

This workshop also offers the chance to interact with experts from five international universities, local professionals, and community members, providing a comprehensive and practical learning experience.

Stay tuned for the announcement of our tentative schedule. Don’t miss this chance to make a real difference in urban development!

To Apply for the workshop follow this link: https://urbanacupuncture.de/urban-informality-in-flux-urban-acupuncture/

Website: https://urbanacupuncture.de/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/urbacupuncture/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbacupuncture/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/urbacupuncture/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg_bQ-7IAwYJOtuIG65hsEQ