IASTE 2018: The Politics of Tradition

16th Biennial Conference of the International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE)

October 4-7, 2018   |   Coimbra, Portugal

REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE

SUBMIT A FULL PAPER

TENTATIVE CONFERENCE PROGRAM

PAPER GUIDELINES (FOR WORKING PAPER SERIES)

CONFERENCE POSTER

Call for Abstracts Poster


Past IASTE conferences have dealt with themes as diverse as Value, Myth, Utopia, Border and many others. This conference intends to prolong this collective reflection by foregrounding an examination of the ways in which the domain of the political and traditions in and of the built environment are intertwined. While the political in traditions has always been part of the debate at IASTE conferences, at a time of struggles globally around the meaning and the practices of political participation in making the built environment, it is valuable to address how the built environment has been shaped by state apparatuses or by citizens to advance diverse political positions, often deploying imaginaries of tradition, purportedly rejecting emerging spatial practices and political subjectivities.

Consequently, the conference will offer reflections both on the importance of the concept of tradition for the political question in itself and on the ways in which variants of governance structures face the question of tradition in the built environment. Participants are encouraged to question the practice of tradition in the production of space in relation to different regimes of politics. In addition, the conference will examine the systems of politics as a category of tradition, reflecting on how the construction and deconstruction of professional political bodies act on the built environment.

As in past IASTE conferences, scholars and practitioners from architecture, architectural history, art history, anthropology, archeology, folklore, geography, history, planning, sociology, political science, urban studies, and related disciplines are invited to submit papers that address one of the following tracks:

Track I: Traditions of Everyday Social Practices and the Shaping of Architecture and Urbanism
Papers in this track will be attentive to how everyday practices of the built environment, or the creation and recreation of the built environment by citizens, continuously produce and reproduce orders of the political, as well as political subjectivities. Emphasis will be given to the contestations between different groups under accelerating neoliberalization; how these dynamics have been reshaping the political landscapes around the world today. How does urban informality interact productively with the state apparatus in the shaping of politics, notably at a time of material struggles around the role of migrants in Europe and elsewhere? How are spaces, both urban and virtual, practiced everyday or through events of insurgence in ways that condition political futures? How do actual practices of housing and urbanity resist and subvert expert imaginations of the political? Papers in this track may confront everyday social practices and their impact on institutional politics.

Track II: Theorizing the Political from the Spaces of Traditional Environments
Contemporary research in political science and related fields rarely consider actual built environments or the implications for understanding the political in relationship to theories of space. This may also include the politics of contestation of traditional environments and their consumption in the process of nation building. Papers in this track will address how contemporary theories of the political or of democracy, in their diversity, can learn from built environment research dealing with tradition, particularly in the cities of the global South where the majority of humans live today under conditions of neoliberalism, mass migration, and a refugee crisis. Papers also addressing the funding conditions of public infrastructure and urban renewal around the world are welcome.

Track III: The Political in Tradition and Place: An Open Track
Papers in this track will explore how tradition is deployed in architecture and in planning to support prospective imaginations of the urban that are integral to situated political-economic regime projects. Papers in this track will also address the traditions of development practices and their impact on the formation of the contemporary state and its apparatus, including in former colonial spaces, for example through the establishment of networks of standardized spaces like parks, schools, and administrative buildings. Papers considering the persistences of a rationality of colonialism in the ways in which traditions are deployed in political projects, through flexible modes of valuation or rejection of tradition, are encouraged. Papers also addressing the impact of movements like “Brexit” and “American first” on the built environment are particularly welcome.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
José Forjaz, Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique
The Politics of Tradition: A Post-Colonial Case
Jyoti Hosagrahar, UNESCO, France
Practicing the Intangible City: Living Heritage, Inclusion, and Resilience
Eyal Weizman, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
Forensic Architecture: The Long Duration of the Split Second
Mabel Wilson, Columbia University, USA
Building Race and Nation

INVITED PLENARY DISCUSSANTS
Ali Al Raouf, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar
Nelson Graburn, University of California, Berkeley, USA
Walter Rossa, University of Coimbra, Portugal
Shundana Yusaf, University of Utah, USA


KEY DATES
November 6, 2017 – Call for abstracts deadline
January 16, 2018 – Notification of abstract acceptance
March 5, 2018 – Abstract revision deadline (if applicable)
May 14, 2018 – Registration deadline for presenters
May 15, 2018 – Early registration closes – registration rates increase
June 25, 2018 – Deadline for full paper submission (for consideration in the Working Paper Series)
July 16, 2018 – Notification of acceptance in Working Paper Series
September 10, 2018 – Deadline for Powerpoint presentation submission
September 28, 2018 – Online registration closes
October 4-7, 2018 – Conference program
October 8, 2018 – Post conference one-day tours


SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Although IASTE is an international organization, all papers must be written and presented in English. Following a blind peer-review process, papers may be accepted for presentation at the conference and/or for publication in the Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Working Paper Series. Papers that wish to be considered for publication in the Working Paper Series must follow the paper guidelines.

Contributors whose abstracts have been accepted must register for the conference by May 14, 2018. Full-length papers of 20-25 double-spaced pages must be submitted by June 1, 2018. However, submission of a full-length paper is not a requirement for presenting at the conference. All participants must be IASTE members.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
We urge you to register as soon as possible. To keep no-shows to a minimum and to guarantee the comprehensiveness of each session, we will not include presenters who fail to register by May 14, 2018. General registration fee is $450 before, and $550, after May 14, 2018. Current students (with proof of student status) and non-presenting spouses of conference presenters qualify for a lower rate of $250 before, and $300, after May 14, 2018. One individual membership with IASTE for 2018-2019, which includes a subscription to Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review (TDSR), is included with registration. The registration fee covers the conference program, the registration packet which includes a printed copy of conference proceedings, and access to all conference activities including theme session, plenary keynote talks, receptions, a conference dinner, and a half-day walking tour of Coimbra. Please note that expenses associated with hotel accommodations, travel, and additional post-conference excursions are not covered by the registration fee and must be paid directly to the hotel or designated travel agent.

Early General Registration (Before May 14, 2018): $450
General Registration (After May 14, 2018): $550
Early Student and Non-Presenting Spouse Registration* (Before May 14, 2018): $250
Student and Non-Presenting Spouse Registration* (After May 14, 2018): $300
*Must send proof student status (e.g. student ID, unofficial transcript) to iaste@berkeley.edu

AWARDS FOR BEST PAPERS
The Jeffrey Cook Award and the IASTE-Berkeley Prize will be given to two presenters at the conference for “best paper by a scholar” and “best paper by a student.” The winners will each receive an award of $500 and their papers may be published, after appropriate review and revision, in Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review (TDSR). Papers should be concerned with the subject of traditional dwellings and settlements in a manner that challenges traditional scholarship on the subject and engages spatial analysis from an interdisciplinary perspective. We strongly encourage all interested participants to indicate that they would like the Award Committee to evaluate their papers.


VISA INFORMATION
Visa guidelines vary depending on country of origin. Please consult your local consulate and/or refer to the following resources for guidance:
Countries whose citizens are exempted from the visa requirement
Countries whose citizens are required to have a visa
Additional information for researchers

TRANSPORTATION FROM LISBON AND PORTO AIRPORTS TO COIMBRA
Note:
If you are traveling to Portugal internationally, you will likely be arriving at the Lisbon airport. If you are traveling to Portugal from the European region, you will likely be arriving at the Porto airport.

From Lisbon airport (LIS) to Coimbra-B station by train
You can take a taxi cab or the Lisbon metro to Lisboa-Oriente train station. The drive to Lisboa-Oriente takes around 8 minutes, but the line at the airport is often busy. The Aeroporto metro station of the Red Line is located at the airport, and Oriente metro station is located under the train station and is 10 minutes away. You will have to buy a “Viva Viagem” transit card at the vending machines available downstairs at the metro station (accept Euros or cards). The card costs 50 cents and is valid for 1 year; for the short transfer to Oriente, you can charge it with a single trip costing 1.45 Euros. If you are planning to spend time in Lisbon, charge the card using the “Zapping” option, as you will be able to use the card for all forms of public transportation!
From Oriente, there are frequent express trains to Coimbra-B station. The first leaves at 6:09 am (or at 7:09 am on weekends), and the last at 10:09 pm. Alfa Pendular trains take 1h34m. Intercidades trains take at least 1h50m. You can buy the tickets online here or at the train station; be sure to buy your tickets in advance since last-minute tickets are usually unavailable. (Please be warned that if you are more than 2 hours late reissues are no longer possible. Substantial discounts may be available if you buy your ticket more than 5 days in advance.) You can check the schedule here.

From Porto airport (OPO) to Coimbra-B station by train
You can take a taxi cab to the Porto-Campanhã train station. This takes at least 20 minutes and costs 20-25 Euros. You can also take Line E of the Porto Metro. The train station is 40 minutes away from the airport, and Line E has trains every 30 minutes. You will have to buy an “Andante” transit card at the vending machines available downstairs at the metro station (accept Euros or cards), which costs 60 cents. For the transfer to Campanhã, you have to charge the card with a Z4 trip costing 1.95 Euros.
From Porto-Campanhã, there are frequent express trains to Coimbra-B station. The first leaves at 5:47 am, and the last at 8:47 pm (or at 7:52 pm on Saturdays). Alfa Pendular trains take 59m. Intercidades trains take at least 1h06m. You can buy the tickets online here or at the train station; be sure to buy your tickets in advance since last-minute tickets are usually unavailable.(Please be warned that if you are more than 2 hours late reissues are no longer possible. Substantial discounts may be available if you buy your ticket more than 5 days in advance.) You can check the schedule here.

From Coimbra-B station to downtown Coimbra
At Coimbra-B, you can use your express train ticket to board any train going to the downtown Coimbra station. This takes 5 minutes, but trains are not always available soon after your arrival. You can also take a cab.
Both the Astória and Ibis hotels are within walking distance (250 meters and 650 meters, respectively) from the downtown train station. If you are staying at the Quinta das Lágrimas, it is advisable to take a cab from Coimbra-B, as this hotel is 1.5 km south of the downtown station.

CONFERENCE SITE
The conference will be held at the Convent São Francisco convention center. It is located on the left margin of Rio Mondego overlooking the city and the University of Coimbra.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Coimbra is a small, medieval town with limited accommodation options. Several hotels are within walking distance to the conference site including the following hotels who have rooms blocked for IASTE conference participants.

Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas (5-star, 150-160 €)
This charming palace is the main conference hotel. It features lavish décor and a collection of gardens, and is an 8-minute walking distance to the conference site. Space at this hotel is limited; we urge you to reserve a room as soon as possible.
Participants interested in this hotel should send an e-mail to carlos.romao@quintadaslagrimas.pt with the number of days and room typology intended. Please mention “International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE) 2018 conference” in the subject line.

Sapienta Boutique Hotel (4-star, 140-182 €)
This contemporary style hotel offers double rooms or loft/suite/apartment-style rooms that are most appropriate for sharing amongst 2-4 people. It is on top of the hill next to the University of Coimbra so some rooms have great views of the city. It is 18-minute walking distance to the conference site.
Participants interested in this hotel should send an e-mail to hello@sapientiahotel.com with the number of days and room typology intended. Please mention “International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE) 2018 conference” in the subject line.

Hotel Astoria (3-star, 60-70 €)
Occupying an Art Nouveau building, this hotel has preserved its original décor and furnishings from the 1920s; it is great for connoisseurs of old buildings. It is located in front of the Mondego River and a 13-minute walking distance from the conference site.
Participants interested in this hotel should send an e-mail to astoria@almeidahotels.pt with the number of days and room typology intended. Please mention “International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE) 2018 conference” in the subject line.

Ibis Hotel (2-star, 62-70 €)
This is the most economic hotel option with mainly small, single and double rooms. It is a 16-minute walking distance from the conference site.
Participants interested in this hotel should send an e-mail to h1672@accor.com with the number of days and room typology intended. Please mention “International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments (IASTE) 2018 conference” in the subject line.


CONFERENCE TOUR
A half-day walking tour of Coimbra is included as part of the conference program.

OPTIONAL POST-CONFERENCE TRIPS
Following the conference, two optional one-day trips will be offered for an additional fee.

Porto Post-Conference Tour:
The historical city of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage classified site. The one-day trip includes a visit to the coastal sea swimming pool by Álvaro Siza, the Serralves Gardens and Museum and, in the afternoon, the Cathedral as well as the Ribeira buildings, streets, and river piers. A Port Wine tasting at the cellars in Gaia and a cable car transfer to the Serra de Pilar at sunset complete the journey. Curated by Architect Paulo Providência, Assistant Professor of Architecture at Coimbra, and guided by architect Bernardo Amaral, PhD Candidate at Coimbra.”

Registration (closes on September 7, 2018): 95 Euros
Late registration (after  September 7, 2018) : 105 Euros
Tour is contingent upon a minimum number of 30 participants
 
To register for the Porto tour option, please visit the following link: https://www.ces.uc.pt/myces/formacao/formFormacao.php?id_formacao=629&id_lingua=2

Coimbra Region Post-Conference Tour: 
The one-day trip in the Coimbra region that will include a walk from Montemor’s main square to the medieval castle ruins via the new assisted pedestrian path, regional pastries at the tea house in the castle overlooking the lower Mondego valley, lunch at the Palace Hotel in the Buçaco hills north of Coimbra, a visit to the baroque landscape architecture of the National Woods there, and a Bairrada wine tasting at the nearby Casa de Sarmento Winery by Souto Moura. Curated and guided by Architect Susana Lobo, Assistant Professor of Architecture at Coimbra Tour is contingent upon a minimum number of 20 participants

Registration (closes on September 7, 2018): 85 Euros
Late registration (after  September 7, 2018): 90 Euros 

Tour is contingent upon a minimum number of 20 participants


To register for the Coimbra region tour option, please visit the following link:
https://www.ces.uc.pt/myces/formacao/formFormacao.php?id_formacao=628&id_lingua=2

 


CONFERENCE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Nezar AlSayyad, IASTE President, University of California, Berkeley
Mark Gillem, IASTE Conference Director, University of Oregon
Jorge Figueira, Local Conference Director, University of Coimbra
Tiago Castela, Local Conference Coordinator, University of Coimbra
Victoria Duong, IASTE Coordinator, University of California, Berkeley
Salma Abdelfattah, IASTE Conference Coordinator, University of California, Berkeley
Vanessa Franca, Local Conference Administrator, University of Coimbra

LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
José António Bandeirinha, Rui Lobo, Susana Lobo, Gonçalo Canto Moniz, Paulo Providência, Cátia Ramos, Fernando Varanda, Walter Rossa, Maria Paula Meneses

SESSIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mohamed Gamal Abdelmonem, Ricardo Agarez, Heba Farouk Ahmed, Howayda Al-Harithy, Mohammad AlJassar, Asseel Al-Ragam, Ali Alraouf, Joe Aranha, Vandana Baweja, Anne-Marie Broudehoux, Tiago Castela, Cecilia Chu, Jorge Correia, Lyndsey Deaton, Juan Du, Ahmed El-Kholei, Sujin Eom, Somaiyah Falahat, Jorge Figueira, Jennifer Gaugler, Joseph Godlewski, Muna Guvenc, Hesham Khairy Issa, Chee-Kien Lai, Rosemary Latter, Mar Loren, Duanfang Lu, Maria Paula Meneses, Adnan Morshed, Tatjana Mrdenovic, Robert Mugerauer, Andrzej Piotrowski, Mrinalini Rajagopalan, Gehan Selim, Ashraf Salama, Manu Sobti, Alison Snyder, Brent Sturlaugson, Tanu Sankalia, Eliana Sousa Santos, Sharone Tomer, Ipek Tureli, Marcel Vellinga, Montira Horayangura Unakul, Jieheerah Yun

CONFERENCE SPONSORS
Department of Architecture of the Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra
Center for Social Studies, University of Coimbra


Mailing address:
IASTE 2018 Conference
390 Wurster Hall #1839
University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, CA 94720-1839, USA

Phone: 510.642.6801
Fax: 510.643.5571
E-mail: iaste@berkeley.edu
Website: https://iaste.org/swp/conferences/2018-conference/