Design Experiences and Society

Design Experiences and Society explores the interconnections between experimentation, design practice, and societal dynamics. Within this thematic line, researchers place the act of designing itself at the core of the investigative process, exploring conceptual and operational issues.

Ethical, inclusive, and sustainable implications are considered fundamental to developing forward-looking proposals that contribute to improved ways of living.

Design is approached as a stimulus for innovation and transformation, through the integration of value-creating strategies in a social context, where the ubiquity of art and design fosters participatory and collaborative action.

Future Worlds Lab focuses on applied research in art, design, and architecture, addressing emerging themes in contemporary design discourse, namely inter and transdisciplinary relationships that enable the development of innovative solutions for sustainability and climate change, the circular economy, new technological solutions (new materials, renewable energy solutions, and digital technologies), and the contribution of creative processes and participatory methodologies towards socially more just and equitable innovation.

Future Worlds Lab aims to research and develop "new futures," both material—space, artifact/artwork, and matter—in the context of anti-obsolescence, dematerialization, and the eco-efficient use of material and energy resources, and immaterial—digital sustainability, new immersive and interactive experiences, and their integration into innovation for sustainable development.

Key-Words
Design Experiences (Art, Design, Architecture)  ·  Future Scenarios  ·  Transdisciplinarity  ·  Sustainable Transitions  ·  Circular Design  ·  Regenerative and More-than-Human Design  ·  Design for Social Justice  ·  Climate Mitigation  ·  Sustainable Production and Consumption  ·  Digital Technologies  ·  Healthy and Eco-efficient Materials  ·  Placemaking  ·  Immersive Experiences.

Coordinator
Ana Mestre

Integrated Researchers
Cristóvão Valente Pereira
Isabel Dâmaso
José Viana
Miguel Bual
Odete Palaré

Collaborating Researchers
Diogo MM Nunes
Frederico Elias
Joana Paiva Sequeira
João Costa
Letícia Larin
Raquel Santana
Seyed Mohsen Mirmotahari
Sofía Balbontín

Creative and Cultural Practices

Creative and Cultural Practices designates a thematic line dedicated to creative and cultural developments, covering various disciplinary fields, particularly fine and visual arts, design, and other experimental forms of creativity. Research occurs within the creation process itself, involving the...

Design Experiences and Society

Design Experiences and Society explores the interconnections between experimentation, design practice, and societal dynamics. Within this thematic line, researchers place the act of designing itself at the core of the investigative process, exploring conceptual and operational issues. Ethical...

Memory Preservation, Theories, and Imaginaries

Memory Preservation, Theories, and Imaginaries focuses on studying the formal and symbolic characteristics of creative and design practices. Research within this thematic line involves analyzing and synthesizing works of art and design, alongside pedagogical perspectives and conservation-restoration...

Visual Narratives and Hybridism

Visual Narratives and Hybridism addresses interactions between cultural practices and contemporary interventions through a transdisciplinary approach. The research aims to uncover how images communicate, signify, and influence collective understanding through their discursive layers. By exploring...