INFORMATION DOCUMENT TRADERS FP7, Marie Curie/Multi- ITN - Call for ESRs

Transcription

1 INFORMATION DOCUMENT TRADERS FP7, Marie Curie/Multi- ITN - Call for ESRs

2 1. General context TRADERS: Training art and design researchers in participation for public space is an FP7, Marie Curie Multi- ITN project that offers 6 positions for early stage researchers (ESRs). The early stage researcher will be involved in the project for a duration of 36 months (full- time equivalent), starting on 1 February The following positions are available: Host institution Country Position Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/KHLim Belgium 1 early stage researcher, PhD- enrolment University of Gothenburg Sweden 1 early stage researcher, PhD- enrolment Design Academy Eindhoven Netherlands 1 early stage researcher The Royal College of Art United Kingdom 1 early stage researcher, PhD- enrolment Chalmers University of Technology Sweden 1 early stage researcher, PhD- enrolment Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Belgium 1 early stage researcher, PhD- enrolment The deadline for applications is 15 th November 2013 (prior to 17:00h Belgian time). The researchers will be appointed latest by 1 January TRADERS : project description TRADERS focuses on developing and testing a methodological framework on which art and design (A&D) researchers can rely when working on public space projects in participatory ways. Each TRADERS ESR will test and develop a part of this framework, depending on the expertise of the host institution. The framework that will result from the project is adapted for and developed from the perspective of A&D researchers. Nevertheless, it is based on existing methodologies that have been developed in the A&D field and will be fully transferable. This means that the methodological framework that will be developed can be adapted to other colleague A&D researchers, but also other fields and domains. TRADERS methodological approach in developing this methodological framework is an interaction between: (1) a study of literature on participatory A&D research in public space; (2) a research through A&D approach wherein several methods are developed and tested in a real- life case study; (3) an ethnographical analysis and evaluation of how these methods are applied in a concrete case study and how they interact; (4) the translation of the research results in a transferrable toolkit (wherein all the individual methods and their applications and interrelations are described); and finally, (5) an evaluation of this toolkit by the associated partners in a series of interviews and via their participation in the development of the methods. To ensure the success of this A&D research project, five complementary research themes are offered, one from each of the participating host institutions. These entail: 1. intervention (Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg, Belgium): Intervention (an act or fact of intervening) in public spaces can be understood as a participatory act performed to stimulate (public) involvement in order to create social awareness regarding a.o. public issues. 2. play (University of Gothenburg, Sweden): Focusing on design as a means of creating meaning rather than solving problems, this research approach addresses how public space can be re- conceptualized and materialized in perspective of the particular challenges and opportunities provided by children and young adults. 3. multiple performative mapping (Design Academy Eindhoven, Netherlands): Multiple performative mapping refers to developing a multi- layered map: a (digital) 2/10

3 map that not only depicts the conventional spatial patterns in the area, but also the different stakeholders understanding of the area, how they actually use it, experience it, value it and what they expect from it. 4. data mining (The Royal College of Art, School of Architecture, United Kingdom): Closely linked to the research themes of performative mapping and modelling in dialogue is the need to be able to gather, handle and interpret many different kinds of data sets. Using advanced software, the RCA will expose the researchers to the conceptual and methodological issues concerning mining of Big Data within the context of the project, with an emphasis on the spatial domain. 5. modelling in dialogue (Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Architecture, Sweden): Modelling in Dialogue serves as both a systemic tool for handling data and a mode to analyse, re- work and re- frame on- site interventions in explorative laboratory contexts. Modelling renders means to visualise and communicate new possibilities and uses both digital and hands- on techniques. A sixth theme will entail the development of a meta- framework allowing these research approaches to communicate and collaborate (Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium). This researcher will develop a meta- theoretical framework that will serve as a mirror to reflect on the significance of art, design and action research in the appropriation of public space. This meta- framework should also become a methodological guideline for participatory design and community development. Since A&D processes are never linear, different sequences between the five research themes (and with(in) the meta- framework) are possible. In A&D research and the development of practice relevant transferable skills, a continuous innovative, constructing, composing and interactive process is needed, requiring a rich toolkit of complementary methods from which can be chosen in relation to a context. The five research themes (and meta- framework) are closely interrelated, without a strict order between them. Different sequences are possible and are understood as iterations, emphasizing a different focus according to a specific context. For coherence in the training, the region of Hasselt- Genk will be the anchor case area and a meeting point in which the TRADERS researchers work together to develop the methodological framework coherently. Hasselt- Genk provides two main reference cases for research and training. The first case concerns the planning of a light rail tram connection between Hasselt and Genk by the Flemish transport company De Lijn. The second case concerns the construction of a new campus in Genk that will be used as a hospital as well as a school for health care. Through these cases, TRADERS will develop the methodological framework around three aspects of public space: public space and mobility (public transport), public space and institutions (health care, education) and, overlapping, the aspect of public space and the creation of new meaning (related to actors and agencies). For this, TRADERS will cooperate with Z- OUT : a centre of expertise on art, design and architecture in relation to public space. TRADERS taps into the full potential of the developments in A&D research in European academia and takes it to a new interdisciplinary, inter- sectoral and socio- economic level. Both the ESRs and their supervisors need to engage critically and reflectively with all of the aspects of this approach. TRADERS brings together a wide range of disciplines such as (visual) arts, design, architecture, sociology and anthropology. TRADERS allows to bundle the strength of the different disciplines to commonly approach other non- A&D disciplines and sectors. 3/10

4 The project commenced on 1 September 2013 and will run over four years (until 31 August 2017). 3. TRADERS : training program TRADERS offers the ESRs a training program consisting of: supervised involvement in a research/training project with a strong practical focus; collaboration for the research and training with stakeholders and branches that represent future employers; collaboration with a wide variety of researchers and enterprises from different countries; supervised involvement in the researchers research/training projects during five Training- Through- Research weeks; hands- on acquisition of complementary skills through the organisation of various events; network- wide research training at two Summer Schools and a conference; network- wide complementary skills training at the above- mentioned events; establishment (together with the supervisors in the host organisation(s)) of a Personal Career Development Plan; secondments to associated partners from the public and private sector where appropriate. 3.1 Personal Career Development Plan Each ESR will establish, together with her/his personal supervisor in the host organisation, a Personal Career Development Plan comprising his/her training needs (including complementary skills) and scientific objectives and will later on report upon the success with which these objectives were met. The Personal Career Development plan and, accordingly, the methods and contents of all training sessions as well as the Summer School activities will be set up according to a logical learning sequence (related to the sequence of the above- mentioned research themes) that corresponds to a certain competences profile. These competences profiles are effectively what governmental organisations, NGO s and private enterprises active in spatial planning, art and design in public spaces and participation in public space decision- making procedures deem to be the profiles of (future) employees: the professionals who will coordinate and manage future public space participation projects. 3.2 Secondments to associated partners Five of the six TRADERS host institutions will work in a partnership with a public organisation or private enterprise, offering a research and training environment to the ESR and thus ensuring that his/her research project has a practical and use- oriented focus. TRADERS knows a balanced mixture of associated partners from a.o. creative industries (the SME STBY ), the arts and design sector (the contemporary art centre Z33 ) as well as the public sector (the Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Gothenburg). The private sector is also involved in TRADERS, in the form of a.o. associated partner KOMPAN A/S (SME) and Commonplace (SME). The associated partners will all perform research, provide training and provide the ESRs with a secondment (3-6 months). These secondments will allow the ESR to gain on- the- job work experience, to gain experience in carrying out research in a real world (or real economy) environment as well as to receive training in transferable skills through different practical assignments and the organisation of public events focusing on participation in public space projects. 4/10

5 3.3 Training activities on transferable skills: The ESRs will acquire transferable skills through (the organisation of) the network- wide Training- Through- Research weeks, the Summer Schools and a conference. Depending on the host institution, the ESR will also be responsible for the organisation of many other events (e.g. events related to the Graduation Show, the Dutch Design Week or the Salone del Mobile in the case of host institution Design Academy Eindhoven). Moreover, the ESRs will acquire transferable skills through many practice- oriented tasks via the collaboration (a.o. secondments) with the associated partners. Depending on the host institution, the researchers will have the opportunity to partake in several transferable skills courses (such as courses in entrepreneurship, intellectual property & career planning at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven or in Communication, Pedagogic training, Basic and Advanced Leadership at Chalmers University of Technology). The ESR of Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg will also be asked to design and manage the TRADERS website and blog. 4. TRADERS : host institutions, associated partners institutions and research themes TRADERS is a network of 6 hosting Partner Institutions (host institutions) and 5 (SME) Associate Partner Institutions (associated partners) Host institution: Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg Social Spaces ( is a cross- disciplinary research group that aims for setting an art, design and theoretical context for experimental research, which might lead to imaginative, practical and participatory solutions for various groups and spaces in society. Social Spaces is a research group of the Media, Arts & Design Faculty ( fac.be), campus C- mine: a department of the Belgian- Limburg based Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg (KHLim). The Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg ( offers more than 40 bachelor and master programs in a diversity of subject domains and circa 150 training programs in the form of special trajectories for working students, postgraduates, etc. LUCA / School of Arts ( arts.be) unites the academic programs of 5 departments in Flanders: Lemmensinstituut for Music and Performing Arts, Sint- Lucas Architecture, Sint- Lucas Visual Arts, KHLim/MAD Faculty and Sint- Lukas. LUCA develops research projects by providing support to artists and research groups, setting up interdisciplinary projects and initiating doctorates Research theme: intervention Intervention is the research approach of the Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg. Intervention defines its goals and forms through social exchange and thus aims to intervene in the open arena of the public space. There are various motivations for intervening in public space, but they are often driven by a certain wish to reclaim the (common) right to it and most importantly, by an urge to question oppressive mechanisms and discourses implemented in our social reality. The audience of an intervention is often composed of accidental passers- by, who become active participants. The Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg focuses on how A&D researchers can learn to enter knowledge domains and public contexts that are different from their familiar world by constructively intervening in them. Moreover, the TRADERS ESR will explore how this intervening practice can generate concrete benefits for society and economy. The researcher will analyse how to cross borders between disciplines, domains and contexts and how to use intervention in a productive way. The research goal of the 5/10

6 researcher during the whole course of three years will be to develop specific approaches, methods and techniques to facilitate these intervening activities and to turn them into productive changes in public space contexts Associated partner institution: Z33 The early stage researcher, recruited by the Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg, will be offered a secondment of 6 months at associated partner institution Z33, allowing him/her to gain on- the- job work experience. Z33 ( is a house for contemporary art. Through projects and exhibitions, Z33 confront visitors with impressions and experiences that encourage them to look differently at everyday aspects from the lives of every person. Z33 is an initiative of the government of the Belgian region Limburg and it is situated closely to Brussels, London and Amsterdam. Z33 is a unique laboratory and meeting place for experiment, research and innovation. As a house for contemporary art, Z33 is a driving force for its region. For more information on the TRADERS research project at the host institution of Faculty of the Arts, LUCA/Katholieke Hogeschool Limburg, please contact Liesbeth Huybrechts ([email protected]) Host institution: University of Gothenburg The University of Gothenburg ( has approximately students and employees. It is one of the major universities in northern Europe. One of the most popular universities in Sweden, the University of Gothenburg has the highest number of applicants to many programmes and courses. In an international perspective too, the University of Gothenburg is unusually comprehensive, with cutting- edge research in a number of dynamic research areas. Cooperation with Chalmers University of Technology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, society at large and trade and industry has been consistently strengthened and intensified over recent years, as have international contacts and collaborative projects with partners abroad Research theme: play Up until recent years the conceptualization and materialization of our cities and public space primarily have been the concern of adults and grown- ups. Focusing on design as a means of creating meaning rather than solving problems, the research focus of the University of Gothenburg addresses how public space can be re- conceptualized and materialized in perspective of the particular challenges and opportunities provided by children and young adults. This research explores how the existing urban fabric and furnishing by various means, methods and interventions may become tools of play for children and young adults on the go, moving between their home, their schools, their kindergartens and their friends. The TRADERS ESR, in collaboration with the different stakeholders from a variety of fields and contexts, explores how to analyse and work with intermediary spaces of play in a productive way. The research goal of the ESR during the course of three years will be to develop specific approaches, methods and techniques - such as triggers and play mechanisms - to work with in these intermediate spaces of potential play (and to work with them as tools of play ). To do so, the ESR will explore the field of urban play both in theory and in practice. 6/10

7 4.2.3 Associated partner institution: KOMPAN The early stage researcher, recruited by the University of Gothenburg, will be offered a secondment of 6 months at associated partner institution KOMPAN, allowing him/her to gain on- the- job work experience. SME KOMPAN ( designs and produces outdoor equipment that promotes physical activity in outdoor spaces. The totality of the product line covers all age groups. Based in Denmark, KOMPAN is one of the world s leading specialists in play solutions for all age groups. KOMPAN also runs Play Institute, a knowledge centre for children's play, development and learning. It is comprised of an international network of play and child specialists. The KOMPAN Play Institute monitors research into the children and young people s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and creative development. An interdisciplinary approach is used when it comes to the work of planning good outdoor areas. KOMPAN Play Institute correlates the research results to their own insights regarding function and design. For more information on the TRADERS research project at the host institution of the University of Gothenburg, please contact Henric Benesch ([email protected]) Host institution: Design Academy Eindhoven Design Academy Eindhoven ( specialises in design. It offers a four- year Bachelor s course and a two- year Master s course. It has an impressive, international team of tutors at its disposal and the quality of the designers they educate is very high. The DNA of Design Academy Eindhoven can be described as conceptual, authentic, creative, flexible, free, passionate and curious. The first thing that typifies Design Academy Eindhoven is the autonomous set- up of the teaching. Secondly, the academy is firmly rooted in the professional field. The third theme is the Academy s sensitive antenna for social phenomena as a motor for innovative design. Additionally, Design Academy Eindhoven offers an inspiring design research environment. It hosts two readerships: City and Countryside ( reader: dr. David Hamers, department of Man and Public Space), and Strategic Creativity ( reader: dr. Bas Raijmakers). The TRADERS ESR will be working with design researchers associated with both readerships as well as design teachers in the department of Man and Public Space. Supervisor will be David Hamers. Hamers readership in City and Countryside aims to introduce knowledge from spatial research (empiricism, theory, concepts, methods, backgrounds, et cetera) in public space design education, and develop academic design research. The central approach is so- called thinking- through- making Research theme: multiple performative mapping At Design Academy Eindhoven, the TRADERS ESR responds to two contemporary challenges in the field of public space planning and design: the spatio- economic dynamics in the intermediate zone between city and countryside and the increasingly complex dialogue between stakeholders. The aim of this research is to develop a new spatial mapping method/tool that helps facilitate the (re)development process of complex spatial areas and improve its results. In collaboration with public and private partners he/she develops multiple performative mapping. Multiple mapping refers to developing a multi- layered map: a (digital) map that not only depicts the conventional spatial patterns in the area, but also the different 7/10

8 stakeholders understanding of the area, how they actually use it, experience it, and what they expect from it. By representing both the cognitive, practical, normative, emotional and narrative meanings of the area, the map s layers help planners, designers and local/regional users to combine, compare and confront multiple interpretations. Performative mapping refers to the stakeholders active involvement in the planning and design process. Moreover, performative refers to developing knowledge and expertise not as an end in itself, but as a means to redevelop the daily planning and design practice in complex areas and instil a (renewed) sense of agency in the users of public spaces Associated partner institution: STBY The early stage researcher, recruited by Design Academy Eindhoven, will be offered a secondment at associated partner institution STBY, allowing him/her to gain on- the- job work experience. STBY ( is a Design Research agency (SME) specialized in Service Innovation. Their creative research projects connect service providers with the lives and experiences of their customers, helping them to innovate their service offering. They have extensive experience across a wide range of sectors, working with companies such as Nokia, Panasonic and Southern Water to generate rich, visually illustrated research materials that bring real people into the heart of design and innovation processes. For more information on the TRADERS research project at the host institution of Design Academy Eindhoven, please contact David Hamers ([email protected]) Host institution: The Royal College of Art, School of Architecture The RCA's Schools ( offer a vibrant mix of studio work, critical and creative thinking, and research. The RCA offers 24 distinctive programmes across the art and design disciplines, delivered through six integral Schools. MA programmes and MPhil/PhD research are delivered through the Schools, with combined facilities and opportunities for cross- pollination. Each programme offers a full package of assisted learning through tutorials, seminars and support for individual and group projects, and learning is focused to give each student the support she or he needs to build expertise in their discipline Research theme: data- mining The ESR registered at the RCA will specialise in digital data mining, and will have a previous degree in Architecture or a closely related discipline. Two complementary aspects of data- mining will be explored: (1) a critical overview of different methodological strategies involving user- centred research, rethical protocols concerning the gathering of data, conceptual and methodological problems specifically related to data- mining, and geo- located data analysis and data- mining, and (2) digital techniques for gathering, editing and visualising data. Within a spatial context and in relation to the project, the research will deliver: a critical understanding of data- mining techniques and of the complexities of data selection criteria; methodologies to employ data to inform spatial participatory strategies; an exploration of the creative possibilities enabled by the use of digital data mining tools; general techniques useful for the project Toolkit to grasp, visualise, and analyse large datasets, essential for grasping the complex and dynamic nature of public space. 8/10

9 Closely linked to performative mapping and modelling in dialogue is the need to be able to gather, handle and interpret many different kinds of data sets. Using advanced software, the RCA and its ESR will expose the researchers to the conceptual and methodological issues concerning the mining of Big Data within the context of the project Associated partner institution: Commonplace Digital Ltd. The early stage researcher, recruited by The Royal College of Art, will be offered a secondment of 3 months at Commonplace Digital Ltd., allowing him/her to gain on- the- job work experience. Commonplace Digital Ltd. ( is an award- winning London- based digital services firm (SME) specialising in cutting edge products that mobilise large numbers of citizens to participate in the urban design process, for example by using playful interfaces to encourage citizens to investigate and contribute to what- if planning scenarios. It uses data mining to develop its digital tools for user- centered design in cities, a particularly useful focus for a research project addressing public spaces. The RCA s early- stage researcher will be attached to the firm s Research & Development group, which will ensure that the researcher has a high quality/high impact project to join for the secondment. For more information on the TRADERS research project at the host institution The Royal College of Art, School of Architecture, please contact Susannah Hagan ([email protected]) Host institution: Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Architecture Chalmers University of Technology ( is a highly progressive university situated in Gothenburg, Sweden. From this beautiful and dynamic part of the world, it has become known locally and globally for education, research and innovation with a wide range of applications. Chalmers University of Technology focuses on research and education in technology, natural science, and architecture. The university has two campuses, 17 departments, 200 research groups and students Research theme: modelling in dialogue Modelling in Dialogue is an essential part of architectural and designerly practices. Within academia, it forms an analytic, explorative and productive method enhancing art, architecture and design as making disciplines. This means that in practice- based research, Modelling in Dialogue serves as both a systemic tool for handling data and a mode to analyse, re- work and re- frame on- site interventions in explorative laboratory contexts. Modelling renders means to visualise and communicate new possibilities and uses both digital and hands- on techniques. It may involve elements of explorative play and provides different forms of analytical and performative interaction and dialogue: with the situation, with the material, and with involved actors. Investigative Modelling frames the Modelling in Dialogue approach in TRADERS. Investigative Modelling constitutes a digital, material, hands- on and interactive theme for modelling and re- modelling activity, also connected to full- scale, real, urban situations. The focus will develop through three interconnected forms of dialogue and interaction (which will form a pedagogical sequence and an interlinked design process): (1) the dialogue/interaction between researchers and the real physical/material/urban situation and its actors (reinterpretation, re- acting); (2) experimental modelling and re- modelling activity, including 'dialogues' with the material and interactive work with others; and (3) the dialogue/interaction between the researchers and the new situation and its actors (re- staging). 9/10

10 4.5.3 Associated partner institution: Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Gothenburg The early stage researcher, recruited by Chalmers University of Technology, will be offered a secondment of 3-6 months at the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Gothenburg, allowing him/her to gain on- the- job work experience. The City of Gothenburg ( consists of district administrations, technical departments and a number of wholly and partly owned companies. The Department of Cultural Affairs of City of Gothenburg employs about 350 full- time employees and is structured in following organisations: Gothenburg Museum of Art, Gothenburg Centre of Contemporary Art, Röhsska Design Museum, Gothenburg City Museum, Gothenburg Maritime Museum, Gothenburg City Library, The Grand Theatre. Moreover, it supports the independent art organisations and artists in Gothenburg. For more information on the TRADERS research project at the host institution of Chalmers University of Technology, Department of Architecture, please contact Catharina Dyrssen ([email protected]) Host institution: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KU Leuven), the Planning and Development and the Architecture and Culture Theory research units KU Leuven ( endeavours to be a place for open discussion of social, philosophical and ethical issues and a critical centre of reflection in and for the Catholic community. KU Leuven offers its students an academic education based on high- level research, with the aim of preparing them to assume their social responsibilities. KU Leuven is a research- intensive, internationally oriented university that carries out applied and fundamental research. It is inter- and multidisciplinary in focus and aims to actively participate in public/cultural debate and in the advancement of a knowledge- based society. The TRADERS ESR at KU Leuven will be hosted by the Planning and Development and the Architecture and Culture Theory research units at the Engineering Faculty of KU Leuven. The Architecture and Culture Theory unit does research on the interaction between architecture as a discipline, the built environment as a construct and as a lived environment for inhabitants and users. Its central concepts are modernity, power, ethnicity and gender. The Planning and Development unit does research on the relationship between spatial planning and development, spatial planning and sustainable development as well as the role of social innovation in local and regional development. Planning, participation, community development tools and scenario analysis occupy a central place in the unit s methodology Research theme: meta- framework As mentioned above, the five TRADERS ESRs will be joined by another ESR. This researcher will develop a meta- theoretical framework that will serve as a mirror to reflect on the significance of art, design and action research in the appropriation of public space. This meta- framework should also become a methodological guideline for participatory design and community development. It will take stock of the literature on these topics. Through participatory observation of the cases developed by the other TRADERS ESRs, KU Leuven s ESR will adjust the meta- framework to the needs of applied action research and design. For more information on the TRADERS research project at the host institution of Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, the Planning and Development and the Architecture and Culture Theory research units, please contact Hilde Heynen ([email protected]). 10/10