DECADOCS is a pioneering research and training programme enabled by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA-DN) aimed at reinterpreting the concept of decadence. Traditionally associated with decline, decadence will be explored through new perspectives, focusing on sustainability, transnationalism, and sensoriality. The programme offers tailored intersectoral training in collaboration with museums, archives, galleries, and other partners, reinforcing its scientific and social impact.
The Meaning of Decadence in Architecture: New Hotels Typologies in Venice and Beyond, Translated Forms and Ideas
🇪🇸 & 🇮🇹
ETSAM, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and IUAV
The project “The Meaning of Decadence in Architecture: New Hotels Typologies in Venice and Beyond, Translated Forms and Ideas’ is part of DECADOCS, a pioneering research and training programme enabled by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Networks (MSCA DN) aimed at reinterpreting the concept of decadence. Traditionally associated with decline, the term will be explored through new perspectives, focusing on sustainability, transnationalism, and sensoriality. The programme offers tailored intersectoral training in collaboration with museums, archives, galleries, and other partners, reinforcing its scientific and social impact.
‘The Meaning of Decadence in Architecture: New Hotels Typologies in Venice and Beyond, Translated Forms and Ideas’ uses Venetian architect Giovanni Sardi’s archive at Archivio Projetti as a benchmark of early 20th-century Venetian hotel architecture; it explores the development of a typology of decadent architecture useful to urban planners, heritage caretakers, and communicable to the general public including high-school students. The project aims to understand the transnational circulation and translation of decadent ideas, forms and models in European architecture, developing a contemporary interpretation of the meaning of decadence with potential applications on architectural design and criticism. The project involves archival research, translation and digitalization of archival material, interviews and the creation of podcasts.
Requirements
Research Field
Architecture, Architectural Design, Theory of Architecture
Education Level
Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
We are looking for enthusiastic and talented candidates with:
- A MSc degree in Architecture, or equivalent
- A clear interest in collaborative multidisciplinary research
- Near native knowledge of Italian or Spanish and a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English (other languages are a plus)
- An interest on late-nineteenth/early-twentieth century history of Architecture and literature
- Availability to work in Madrid and Venice, as well as at archives in Spain and in Italy
- Strong research and writing skills
- Affinity and interest in interdisciplinary research
- Proactive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills
- Exceptional curiosity, problem solving skills
- Willingness to engage with non-academic audiences
- Strong digital skills
Specific Requirements
Candidates must have
- preliminary training on architecture (architectural design, history and/or criticism).
Optional requirements
- Additional post-graduate training on academic research methods and practices (postgraduate master’s degree with at least 60 ECTS credits or its equivalent)
- Previous research, publication and dissemination experience.
Key responsibilities
The position is available for 48 months and the key tasks as a PhD student are:
- To manage and carry out research projects
- To attend and participate in research and training activities within the DECADOCS network and local courses
- To write articles for scientific peer-reviewed journals
- To write a PhD thesis
- To teach and disseminate research in the scientific community (international conferences) and non-scientific community, by outreach and public engagement
- To research archives
- To translate and digitalize archival material
- To lead interviews and contribute to creating a series of podcasts (there will be technical support) a page on the ‘Petit Tour’ website of IUAV Library.
- To compiling research findings into scientific presentations, publications, and a PhD thesis
Eligibility criteria
Researchers funded by Doctoral Networks
- must not have a doctoral degree at the date of their recruitment
- can be of any nationality
- should not be enrolled in another doctoral programme during the project
- should comply with the mobility rules: in general, they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the recruiting organisation for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date
Application
Please send:
- a cover letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key competencies relevant for this position
- an up-to-date CV, including details of your BA and MA degrees
- copies of your diplomas and transcripts of records (BA and MA)
- contact information of two academic referees
- evidence of proficiency in academic English (max 5000 words)
- Proof of ID (passport, identity card);
- A declaration of Honour stating that you fulfil the eligibility criteria.
Our selection procedure is merit-based and follows the guidelines of the recruitment of European Commission’s European Code of Conduct for researchers:
Applications will be received until 10 November 2025.
Interviews will take place online on 21 November 2025.
Contacts for enquiries
Sergio Martin, ETSAM, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid
Fernanda De Maio, IUAV
Send your application (a single PDF document labelled ‘name.applicationIRP1‘ to Bénédicte Coste. Your file should not exceed 20Mb.
DECADOCS 