Tandem Cooperation

An important format to ensure the integration of the collaborative research process are our theory tandems, which further refined our sensitizing concepts (mediatization, polycontexturalization and translocalization), based on the empirical work conducted in the subprojects, and thereby helped advance the related methodological discussion. The theory tandems are annually changing teams consisting of project leaders, who, alongside the spokespersons of the CRC, are responsible for integrating the results of individual subprojects and cross-sectional groups, principally by organizing the annual conference and other event formats. Each theory tandem is moreover tasked with elaborating one central theoretical desideratum of the CRC’s agenda during their term and, in doing so, organizes the joint theory building along the lines of their annual topic.

Current Theory-Tandem (2022/23)
New Spatial Arrangements (Silke Steets/Ignacio Farías)

The theory tandem, consisting of the sociologist Silke Steets and the anthropologist Ignacio Farías, concerns itself with the identification and description of new spatial arrangements which are constituted in the course of the refiguration of spaces. An international conference on the topic will take place in 2023.

Tandem Guest: Nikolaus Gansterer
Student Assistant: Tiziana Ratcheva

Planned Theory-Tandems
Theory-Tandem (2023/24)
Conflicts (Barbara Pfetsch/Hubert Knoblauch)

The theory tandem will focus on new spatial conflicts that accompany current processes of change, asking how and when spatial conflicts arise from tensions in and between spatial figures. A corresponding international conference is planned for 2024.

Theory-Tandem (2024/25)
Multiple Spatialities (Nina Baur/Stefan Kirchner)

The theory tandem will be dedicated to the concept of multiple spatialities, which is central to the CRC’s work. This concept focuses on variations of refiguration and provides a new conceptual approach to the methodological question of comparison. An international conference on the topic is planned for 2025.

Previous Theory Tandems

2018/19 – The constitution of space in different cultures (Nina Baur/Angela Million)
The theory tandem, consisting of sociologist Nina Baur and planning scientist Angela Million, addressed the overall theme of “cultural comparison” by focusing on the constitution of space in different cultures. During the first two semesters, the foundations for a common theoretical understanding and vocabulary were laid in various events and conferences:
- Seminar “Cultural Comparison”. Methodology, research logic and practice (Baur/Million)
- Reading group “Communicative Constructivism” (Baur)
- Opening Conference “The Re-Figuration of Spaces and Cultural Comparison” (Baur/Million)
- Research Workshop “Spatial Constitution and Visualization” (Million/Marguin)
- 1st International Conference “Re-Figuration of Spaces: Mediatization, Mobility, Globalization and Social Dislocation”
- Interdisciplinary and intercultural city walks as a methodology of cross-cultural spatial research (Baur)
The tandem’s findings were published in the special issue “The Re-Figuration of Spaces and Cross-Cultural Comparison” in the journal FQS and in the edited volume “Spatial Transformations. Kaleidoscopic Perspectives on the Refiguration of Spaces” in the series “Re-Figuration of Spaces” published by Routledge.
2019/20 – Polycontexturalization and new spatial arrangements (Jörg Stollmann/Gunter Weidenhaus)
The theory tandem, established by architect Jörg Stollmann and sociologist Gunter Weidenhaus, concentrated on the concept of “polycontexturalization”, thereby taking a closer look at one of the key concepts of the CRC 1265. Over the course of various events and discussions, they were able to confirm polycontexturalization as a central characteristic of refiguration, while at the same time expanding and sharpening the concept.
- Research Workshop “Polycontexturalization & Postcolonial Theory”
- 2nd International Conference “Polycontextural Spatial Arrangements”
The tandem’s findings were published in the special issue “Polycontexturalization: A Spatial Phenomenon” in the online journal sozialraum.de.
2020/21 – Refiguration (Hubert Knoblauch/Martina Löw)

The theory tandem was formed by the two CRC sociologists and spokespersons Martina Löw and Hubert Knoblauch. This tandem focused on the topic of refiguration, a key concept of the research center. Their tasks included the organization of internal conferences and plenums as well as the theoretical development of the research program for the second term.

The results of this tandem will be published in the edited volume “Communicative Constructions and the Refiguration of Spaces. Theoretical Approaches and Empirical Studies”.
2021 – Translocalization (Philipp Misselwitz/ Johanna Hoerning)

The theory tandem consisted of architect Philipp Misselwitz and sociologist Johanna Hoerning and attended to the overarching topic of translocalization. It also hosted the fourth annual conference of the CRC “Spatial Refiguration: Dynamics, Challenges, and Conflicts” in October 2021, which was the closing event of CRC’s first phase.

As an innovative format of science communication, the theory tandem developed an engaging concept for the visual presentation of the CRC 1265’s project results in the form of a “visual reader” as well as a digital exhibition implemented in the context of the CRC’s fourth annual conference. These initiatives aim to familiarize a broader public with the research questions, hypotheses and results of the CRC through a close cooperation with graphic designers and artists. The resulting book “Räume in Veränderung. Ein visuelles Lesebuch” was published by Jovis Verlag in September 2021.