We are excited to announce the second edition of the ISE FENIX PROJECT, an international urban design and build workshop that brings together students and professionals not only from the Czech Republic, Holland and Japan to envision a more sustainable, walkable, and resilient future for Ise city.
Workshop is free of charge as well as the accommodation in ISE CREATER's GARAGE. Capacity is 15 students, so for the selection, please provide us with short Motivation letter.
Application deadline:
The ISE FENIX PROJECT is connected to Japan's unique tradition of Shikinen Sengu – the rebuilding of Ise shrine every 20 years since 690 CE, an inspiring example of sustainable practices. As the shrines undergo their 63rd rebuilding (completing in 2033), we are working alongside the local community to reimagine Ise city's rebirth as well.
While the Naiku and Geku shrine areas attract many tourists, Ise's central districts – Kawasaki, Ujiyamada, Geku, and Furuichi – receive less attention. Through small urban interventions based on the Urban Acupuncture method, we aim to transform these overlooked areas into vibrant, people- centered spaces.
In March 2025, our first workshop brought together 15 students from 6 countries who developed comprehensive strategies addressing climate adaptation, walkability, public space quality, heritage preservation, and community engagement. Teams created both immediate tactical interventions and long-term visions, presenting their proposals directly to local citizens and municipal representatives. ISE FENIX PROJECT OUTCOME
In 2026 workshop takes the next step: from design to action. Participants will design and build actual urban furniture for Ise Kaido and Seta River, work with A°D°A Vitrual Futurologist AI-powered software, experience Japanese culture through food, shrine visits or tea ceremonies, collaborate in international teams, and present work to Ise Municipality and local people during a public POP-UP event.
The intensive 8-day programme includes site visits, AI consultations with A°D°A software, human consultations with international experts (on spot and online), lectures not only on participatory planning, hands-on building and upcycling, and culminates in a POP-UP event and public presentations showcasing your built interventions.
We welcome architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, art and design students passionate about sustainable urbanism, community engagement, and hands-on building. Be ready for intensive work, cultural exchange, and making real impact.
Assoc. Prof. Mgr. A. Zdeňka Němcová Zedníčková Ph.D., Czech Republic
MgA. Jana Bernartová, Ph.D., Czech Republic
Arch. Yukiko Iida, Japan
Ing. arch. Haruka Kajiura, Japan
BA Valerie van Leersum, Netherlands
Technical University of Liberec (TUL) CZ
Academy of Fine Arts Prague (AVU) CZ
Meijo University Nagoya (MUN) JP
Hoge School voor de Kunsten Utrecht (HKU), Netherlands
ISE CREATER's GARAGE, Ise City, JP – your meeting base, workshop space, and accommodation during the project.
Join us in creating lasting change while experiencing Japanese culture and building international connections. Help Ise city rise like a Phoenix – welcoming, liveable, walkable, and ready for its future.
Zdenka Zedníčkova, zdenka.zednickova@tul.cz EN
Yukiko Iida, kohjo216.yi@gmail.com JP