On November 18th, we gathered at Modul Cărturești to officially mark the end of the Urboteca 2.0 Fellowship – a program that, in truth, is only just beginning to make its mark. It was an evening filled with meaning, as we reflected alongside coordinators and fellows on a journey that began long before the official launch.
Where We Started
Our preparations for this edition began in June 2023, as we sketched out the program’s objectives. We set out to train facilitators capable of building bridges between communities and their shared spaces, using participatory diagnostic methods.
In September, at Modul Cărturești, we laid the program’s foundation alongside the hosts of our case studies. We envisioned bringing together architects, urbanists, anthropologists, sociologists, and artists to collaborate in identifying shared community interests. By January, we were thrilled to receive 54 applications – a clear signal of growing interest in participatory processes.
What We Accomplished
Last night, we retraced the steps of this journey, from those initial ideas to the presentation of our case study results. It was a moment of gratitude for everything we’ve built together. We also discussed what’s next: documenting this edition on dedicated web pages at urboteca.ro, sharing videos on YouTube, and collecting feedback from fellows to refine future editions.
What We Felt
The evening was enriched by authentic discussions about what this program meant to its participants. What were their expectations? What did they discover? How will they apply these new skills? It became clear that this fellowship isn’t just a project with a start and end date – it’s a foundation for creating a vibrant network of professionals who continue to inspire and innovate.
Looking Ahead
Urboteca 2.0 is more than a program; it’s about understanding and strengthening communities around shared spaces and interests. This story doesn’t end here. Together, we will continue to debate, dream, and transform.
A heartfelt thank you to our fellows and hosts: Teatrul Masca, Atelierele Malmaison, Grupul de Inițiativă Civică Cişmigiu, Centrul de Teatru Educațional Replika, and Depoul Victoria. The journey continues!
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