Course Topics
Module 1 The module "Critical Environments" investigates space as an experiential and phenomenological condition, examining how domestic, public, and transitional environments shape human behaviour, perception, and meaning. Students critically engage with the material, social, and cultural forces that produce spatial phenomena. The course develops tools for understanding environments as dynamic systems experienced through the body, memory, ritual, and socio-spatial norms. The topics taught in the module can be described as following: - Experiencing Environments, space as a Phenomenon - Domestic Space - Public Space - Threshold and In-between Spaces - Behaviour and Behaviourology – Norms and Rituals - Mapping Spaces and Spatial Phenomena Module 2 The module "Histories and Theories of Spatial Practices" will thematize the experience of the body in space (movement) as a form of action and participation, focusing on the performative potential of spatial devices as both vector and poetic expression of the relationship between subjects (bodies) and the world (environment), meant in both physical and cultural terms. Moving from the individual to the collective scale, from the microenvironment to the macroenvironment, from the temporary to the permanent dimension of space, the course aims to address the following areas of investigation of spatial practices in their historical and theoretical articulations: - The naked body and its prostheses (devices of the subjective interaction with the world); - Microenvironment and proxemics (devices of interpersonal relationships); - The expanded field as a field of action (the ground as a support of public life); - Dramaturgy of public space (the city as theatrum mundi).

Teaching format
Frontal lectures Seminars Studio work Workshops Visits by experts Critics Periodical mid-term presentations

Educational objectives
Educational objectives: Module 1 – Critical Environments Develop Critical Spatial Awareness Equip students with tools to analyze and interpret spatial dynamics and their socio-political implications in artistic and design practices. Bridge Theory and Practice Integrate critical theories with hands-on design experimentation to address complex spatial and environmental challenges. Investigate Political-Relational Dimensions Explore how design shapes and responds to social, cultural, and political forces, fostering ethical and responsible approaches. Cultivate Interdisciplinary and Contextual Thinking Encourage contextual analysis and interdisciplinary methods to understand historical, ecological, and relational aspects of space. Stimulate Creative and Reflexive Design Empower students to generate innovative spatial interventions while fostering self-reflection and clear communication. Module 2 – Histories and Theories of Spatial Practices Develop Critical Understanding of Spatial Politics Analyse the power dynamics of space, including contested territories, public/private boundaries, and the socio-political implications of spatial design. Explore Relational and Site-Specific Practices Investigate how site-specific and relational design approaches engage with communities, environments, and cultural contexts to foster spatial justice and inclusion. Engage with Environmental and Ethical Responsibilities Examine sustainability strategies, material responsibility, and ecological systems to address environmental ethics and promote transformative design practices. Investigate Alternative Spatial Narratives and Representations Study critical mapping, alternative cartographies, and speculative design as tools for reimagining spatial dynamics and challenging dominant spatial narratives. Integrate Emerging Technologies and Experimental Approaches Explore the role of digital environments, immersive media, and critical technologies in shaping contemporary and future spatial experiences. Learning outcomes: Knowledge and understanding Module 1-2 Students of the course will: - know the history of spatial practices in art and design, and their main techniques and methodologies; - possess specific knowledge on the interactions between space and culture and on the sociopolitical implications of spatial practices; - understand the processes of transformation of space in the contemporary context, analyzing them considering the connections with other fields of knowledge, such as sociology, anthropology and urban sciences. Applying knowledge and understanding Module 1-2 Students of the course will: - design and implement spatial interventions, exhibitions, artistic installations and design projects that explore and reinterpret public and private spaces; - use reading, analysis, mapping and visualization tools to analyze and communicate complex ideas relating to space; - create spatial interventions that respond to the needs of communities, promoting inclusiveness and social participation. Making judgments Module 1-2 Students of the course will: - apply the knowledge acquired in the professional context; - design original projects that take into account the transformations induced by globalization and internationalization processes. Module 2 Students of the course will: - collect and interpret cultural and material data from the fields of art, design, technology and spatial and curatorial practices, demonstrating the ability to place events, works and production operations in the historical context and current trends; - grasp the authority and evaluate the reliability of the various available sources; - reflect and express an independent judgement, including on social, ethical and political-cultural issues; - interpret specific facts and events, within subject of their field of study. Communication skills Module 1 Students of the course will: - use visual and multimedia tools to create engaging and informative presentations. - collaborate in teams and communicate effectively with colleagues and professionals from different disciplines Module 2 Students of the course will: - write scientific and technical articles and reports with clarity and effectiveness; - present projects and ideas verbally in a professional and convincing manner. Learning skills The course is aimed at: - strengthening the critical and operational autonomy of students; - developing their ability to choose, compare and adapt to new knowledge and technologies.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
The course aims at mobilizing students’ critical skills, imageries, and expressive potential, providing them with an understanding of how artists and designers have responded to changes in conceptions of space over time as well as with a set of concepts, tools, and models that actively support the development of individual projects. Students are expected to develop an awareness of spatial phenomena and a critical understanding of how design shape our individual and collective responses, in order to support the conceptualization and production of the final outcome of the Studio.

Assessment
Attending students Module 1: During the exam the students will discuss the final project, and the exercises carried out during the course. Detailed information about the project, the single exercises and the final presentation are handed out during the course and are documented in the TEAMS of the Studio. The exam consists of the realisation of a spatial installation, the presentation and a brief discussion of the required documents. For this purpose, additionally to the installation, each student prepares a max. 15-minute screen presentation containing a brief report about the work carried out during the semester. A complete documentation of the required exercises (printed and in digital form) will be handed in during the exam. Module 2: During the exam the students will discuss the intersections between the final outcome and the contents addressed in the module during the semester, making evident how these influenced the development of the final project. Non-attending students For both modules the assessment is the same for attending and non-attending students. N.B. – ALL STUDENTS TAKING THE EXAM AS NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS MUST AGREE UPON THE CONTENT WITH THE LECTURER.

Evaluation criteria
Module 1: The final assessment is based on the content of the final project and all the exercises according to the following criteria: - Analysis and observation ability of the student; - Completeness and coherence in the design concept; - Clarity in the presentation of the process that leads to the design choices; - Technical-formal quality of the exercises; Module 2: The final assessment is based on the discussion around the final project and all the exercises according to the following criteria in connection with the topics addressed during the semester: - Capacity to place, contextualize and connect topics, in relation to the lectures and the bibliographical references; - Critical skills and awareness about the issues raised throughout the course; - Consistence in the presentation of the process that leads to the design choices in connection with the topics addressed during the semester. Non-attending students For both modules the evaluation criteria are the same for attending and non-attending students.