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University of Architecture and Urbanism “Ion Mincu” – Bucharest
UAUIM→Events→The Values of Rural Communities in the Danube Region
UAUIM Events

International conference: The Values of Rural Communities in the Danube Region

Bucharest, April 23rd 2026

“Ion Mincu” University of Architecture and Urban Planning, 18-20 Academiei st., 010014, Bucharest, Romania

March 10, 2026

Call for contributions

The Danube River is more than a geographic artery; it is a cultural thread that binds diverse rural landscapes together. As we navigate a century defined by rapid urbanization and climate shifts, the rural communities of the Danube Region stand as custodians of invaluable heritage, ecological wisdom, and social resilience. We aim to move beyond seeing the countryside as a mere resource for the city, instead recognizing it as a vibrant laboratory for sustainable living and cultural continuity.

The core focus of the DANUBE RURALSCAPES project is the valorization of Danubian rural landscapes. We recognize that a landscape’s value lies not just in its physical features, but in how it is perceived by those who inhabit or visit it. This conference will scrutinize the landscape qualities and diversity of the region, identifying the threats that jeopardize its integrity—from industrial or tourism pressure to rural exodus and inappropriate building practices.

By bridging community perception with sustainable tourism strategies, the DANUBE RURALSCAPES project invites stakeholders (local mayors, NGO leaders, small business owners, and community advocates), project partners, academic researchers, practitioners, and community members to explore and showcase the intrinsic and instrumental values of these territories.

We are seeking insightful contributions that examine the multifaceted identity of the Danube’s rural landscape, both within the seven microregions targeted as case studies and beyond. Whether your work is rooted in personal experience as a stakeholder in a rural region of Danube, or in research in architecture, urbanism, landscape planning, sociology, anthropology, ecology, or economics, we invite you to share your perspective on how we can preserve and propel rural values into the future.

Core themes

Vernacular architectural heritage and adaptive reuse

This theme focuses on the physical custodians of Danubian history- the traditional built structures. We seek contributions that explore the preservation of local specificity through the adaptive reuse of various types of buildings, ensuring that historical architecture remains a functional part of modern rural life rather than a relic of the past.

Landscape assessment and rural planning

Beyond physical geography, this theme examines the local landscape character and identity of the Danube region. Discussions will center on identifying the unique qualities of the rural landscapes of Danube and developing planning strategies that protect their integrity against threats like industrial pressure, mass tourism, or inappropriate building practices.

Ecological danubian values and water management

Recognizing the Danube River as a vital ecological artery, this section invites research and case studies on biodiversity conservation and sustainable water management. It envision the rural communities as essential keepers of ecological wisdom, necessary to navigate modern climate shifts and current environmental challenges.

Intangible cultural capital and knowledge systems

This theme delves into the "unseen" value of the region: its local community knowledge systems and rural cultural identity. We aim to explore the intangible heritage and social resilience inherent in Danube settlements, recognizing these communities as vibrant laboratories for cultural continuity.

Sustainable innovation and circular economies

Focusing on the future of remote settlements, this theme covers circular economies, agrotourism, and digital connectivity. We are looking for insights into how sustainable rural innovation can propel traditional values into the future, creating economic models that favor local growth over simple resource extraction.

Governance and administrative innovation

Managing rural settlements presents unique hurdles, from rural exodus to governance. This theme invites stakeholders and researchers to share innovative methods and address the specific administrative challenges faced by Danube rural communities, seeking collaborative solutions for better territory management.

Types of contributions

As a stakeholder: You may participate in this conference with an oral presentation on any of the themes listed above, presenting you and your personal stake related to the RURALSCAPE Project. The oral presentation shoulld be given in English, in Pecha Kucha style.

To participate as a stakeholder- please register at https://forms.gle/n4Afi4FSV5ZLFhG18.

As an academic researcher: You may participate in this conference by submitting a short paper or by delivering an oral presentation on any of the themes listed above. The conference is open to all acedemic researchers interested in rural communities within the Danube region, including PhD students who wish to share their expertise regarding the values of rural life in this area.

To participate as an academic researcher - please register at https://forms.gle/PbGqidzzKRprtxhT7

Both stakeholders and academic researchers could attend the conference in person or in virtual mode. For the virtual mode participation, please, use the link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81092243319

Submission Type

Short paper max. 3000 words, including abstract (max. 300 words)- see the template:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fJzJPZQx9XhmWvMfc4wt-6gvhOoDRO_x/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=107163348932792188159&rtpof=true&sd=true

3–5 Keywords 

Short Bio (max. 300 words)

Document Formats

doc, .docx, .pdf.

Time of oral presentation

max. 6 min.

Language

English

Deadline for submission

March 20, 2026

Fee

No fee for submission

Outcome of the selection process

April 6, 2026

To submit your short paper, please upload it at https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ptp8PhHc_ua2kOF1Q9Fca4jdef0cVxG4?usp=drive_link, into the appropriate folder of the core theme.

Note: Selected papers will be considered for publication in the upcoming Danube Ruralscapes Anthology.

Organising committee

More about the Ruralscapes Project: