October 13–December 14, 2026, 6:30pm
Bozen, Bolzano 39100
Italy
The Master in Critical Creative Practices at the Faculty of Design and Art, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (unibz), is pleased to announce the Fall Lecture Series 2026, a cycle of public lectures bringing together international practitioners whose work engages critically with contemporary questions across art, architecture, technology, ecology, and visual culture.
The 2026 edition features lectures by Paula Strunden (October 13), Mireia Luzárraga—TAKK (November 25), and Emilio Vavarella (December 14).
Paula Strunden is a transdisciplinary artist, architect, and researcher whose work explores embodied and multisensory experiences of extended reality (XR). Working across installation, virtual environments, and spatial research, she investigates alternative histories of immersive technologies, with particular attention to the contributions of female pioneers in virtual reality. Her performative xR installations have been exhibited internationally. In 2025, she was awarded a Postdoctoral Fellowship at ETH Zurich.
Mireia Luzárraga, together with and Alejandro Muiño, is behind the architecture and research studio TAKK, with headquarters in Barcelona and New York. Mireia Luzárraga is director of Studio I at Columbia University GSAPP in New York and, also with Alejandro Muiño, is a visiting professor at the University of Tokyo. Their work explores how architecture can promote the development of fairer lives by integrating feminism and ecology into spatial practices. Their work is present in some of the most prestigious collections of architecture museums in the world.
Emilio Vavarella is an artist whose work investigates the relationships between technology, power, and the construction of knowledge. Through installations, films, sculptures, and publications, he explores the material and ideological infrastructures of digital culture, often revealing the hidden labor, errors, and biases embedded within technological systems. His work has been exhibited internationally and is included in major public and private collections. Vavarella is Assistant Professor of Media and Film Studies at Skidmore College.
Course description
The Master in Critical Creative Practices—CCP offers an up-front approach to contemporary challenges where art, design and technology converge to address and communicate powerful messages on global issues ranging from the climate crisis and energy transition to geopolitics and the inclusion of social minorities. The programme enables designers and artists to develop interdisciplinary projects that combine rigorous artistic and design practice with advanced technological and theoretical applications.
Through three thematic studios—Natures-Cultures, Critical Environments and Techno-Human Expressions—students explore new dimensions of artistic and design creation using traditional media as well as emerging technologies. The method of teaching integrates creative practice with a solid theoretical foundation, stimulating critical discourse and innovative solutions.
Ideal applicants
Graduates in design, art or architecture who are interested in understanding how contemporary critical practices can shape society and space. Selection is based on a Curriculum Vitae, portfolio and project proposal. Further information on applications and admission can be found here.
Duration of the programme: Two years / Language: English / Available places: 30 EU + 5 Non-EU. Website.
