Cities are our natural world, created by us and yet, in their constantly shifting complexity, almost beyond our grasp. Urbanization processes do not end at the city boundaries. Almost infinite networks, alienated communication, hasty consumption and conflicts of social marginalization or economic injustice determine our urban survival. Cities form contested spaces, whose present refers back to the past, whose power structures can be identified and also changed. It is important to predict the need for change well in advance but also to be able to react to acute crises great and small with fresh solutions.
Innovations are driven on a bottom-up basis. Not infrequently they arise at the margins of society, where established structures encounter influences from without, traditional responses no longer work, or safeguards apply to some but not to others.
The projects developed in the studio situation of our Social Design program show that societal innovation–meaning extraordinary results and unexpected approaches–becomes possible where different forms of knowledge and methods interact, where artistic acumen combines with creativity from the so-called hard sciences, where design, theory, architecture and the fine arts not only pool their strategies but also enter into confrontations and alliances that can be both risky and productive.
Innovative methods construct new meanings, strengthen responsibility and thus create the preconditions for identification with one’s own actions. Students who choose the Master’s in Social Design – Arts as Urban Innovation signal their determination to play a critical and active part in influencing society and a refusal to discount the future!
Curriculum
The master programme Social Design Arts as Urban Innovation at the University of Applied Arts Vienna is oriented towards graduates from diverse fields of study, thereby stipulating work in transdisciplinary teams as the central teaching and learning approach in the programme. On the basis of professional competences acquired in their respective previous studies, students become acquainted with transcending disciplinary codes and thinking and working in greater interrelationships. Art in synergy with project-related scientific methods and knowledge is seen as a tool for urban innovation.
Duration and Scope:
4 semesters / 120 ECTS
Graduation: "Master of Arts" (MA)
People
Jelena Moser
, Zürich
I work in different fields and places. Doing theater projects and working in the Alps during the summertime. In summer 2020, I will complete my master in Transdisciplinarity at the Zurich University of the Arts. Since two years I have been working with vacant school buildings in the Alpine region. I am interested in how a school can become an indefinite place, in order to expose it to a process of transformation. How can we reshape school buildings in different
- Field of Expertise
- Theaterpädagogik, Transdisziplinarität
- Links
- www.jelenamoser.ch
Andrea Navarrete
Designer, Mexico City
Believes that design is an engine to improve the quality of life of any society. Not only reflected in tangible products but also in relationships, as a basis for understanding within all communities: to promote social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development. By embracing economic, cultural and social aspects, design represents a comprehensive alternative of development.
- Title / Function
- Alumni
- Field of Expertise
- Industrial Design
- Telephone number
- +52155 6544 0967
- aandreaanr@gmail.com
Project
Kinderunikunst Kreativwoche 2019
Project
The Staircase Choir
Project
“Schumi Maritza”
Project
Let's write a Fairy Tale
Pavel Naydenov
Artist, Sofia/Vienna
Studied Musical Pedagogy, Art Management; He worked as an artist in the fields of contemporary music, instalations; Art activities in research process; He therefore also pursues design which is focused on subcultures, urban phenomena.
- naydenov.pavel@yahoo.com
Vera Naydenova
Social Designer, Tallinn
Seeks to define her practice at the intersection of social sciences and art, theory and action. Her projects relate back to her homeland and deal with the impacts of post-socialist transformation and urban shrinkage on community life. She is particularly interested in the promotion of proactive attitudes and resilient lifestyles and the exploration of urban-rural-natural phenomena.
- Title / Function
- Alumni
- Field of Expertise
- Shrinking Cities, Post-Socialist Transformation, Culture-led Urban Regeneration
- naydenova.vera@gmail.com
- Links
- www.veranaydenova.com
Shirin Omran
Student, Graphic designer, photographer, Vienna
Born and raised in Vienna, curious and confused all over the world. Important is dialogue, important is humor, important is emotion. Making things that are understandable for uncles and aunts who don’t understand things. The internet is a horrible place, the internet is brilliant. You know it’s good when it gives you goosebumps. Don’t forget to feel. Tell stories.
- Links
- @shirinomran
Péter Oroszlány
Designer, Budapest
He graduated in Social Design in 2016. Previously, he received his BA in Graphic Design from MOME Budapest, and completed a Masters programme of Urban Development at BME Budapest. He likes to direct or support from the backstage and to organise objects. His main interest is changing the perception or functions of different off–spaces in urban areas.
- Title / Function
- Alumni
- Field of Expertise
- 2D, 3D, 4D
- peteroroszlany@gmail.com
- Links
- issuu.com/peteroroszlany/docs/peteroroszlany_projectportfolio