The Future of Mass Housing Heritage. Exploring the Resilient Sustainability of Socialist-Era Housing Districts
The cities.building.culture project, with the support of Tallinn University and Tallinn University of Technology (Estonia) are jointly convening the PhD School “The future of mass housing heritage. Exploring the resilient sustainability of socialist-era housing districts“, in the framework of the collaborative research project cities.building.culture.
Based on the cities.building.culture research agenda, and the fieldwork conducted in cities and towns in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Armenia and Georgia, this PhD School contributes to the goal of developing frameworks for resilient sustainability in the transformation of residential architectural heritage from the Soviet era in a comparative perspective.
During a five-days program, participants will have the opportunity to work closely with academics, local experts, representatives of NGOs, and local authorities, engaging in a combination of lectures, seminars, and interactive workshops.
The PhD School provides a unique setting to:
- Develop insights into current research on sustainable urban transformation, the management of mass housing of the socialist period, and resilience
- Benefit from the expertise of local institutions and organizations active in housing, planning, and cultural heritage;
- Connect and exchange ideas with peers and professionals from across Europe;
- Explore mass housing districts of Tallinn through guided fieldwork and meetings with key stakeholders.
The PhD School is open to doctoral candidates from the fields of architecture, urban studies, planning, heritage conservation, urban geography, anthropology and related disciplines.
Applications are open until 30 April 2026.
