Society in Motion Erasmus Project

Project Title

Society in Motion

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for higher education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2016

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Creativity and culture; Migrants’ issues; International cooperation, international relations, development cooperation

Project Summary

The aim of the Erasmus plus cooperation between the Universtiy of Liechtenstein (lead) the University of applied Arts (AT) and Bergen School of Architecture (N) is to investigate architectural and spatial challenges for new emerging society in motion from various perspectives. In the context, we ask how does architecture and urban planning adapt to these forms of mobilization? The aim of the Erasmus+ application is to conduct together with architectural, urban design, social science students and researchers three different workshops for different focal points of mobility to gain insight into living and working challenges for society in motion in a global age. Therefore, we chose the following relevant topics for the Europe.> forced migration: addressing the refugees crisis. This refers to the coerced movement of a person away from their home or home region. > skilled labour migration: addressing the skills shortage and knowledge-based movement> commuters: addressing the crossborder traffic issuesThese phenomena of society in motion have significant socio-spatial impacts on the future development of the region and are essential to investigate further. Therefore, we use selected case study regions in Europe as best practice examples (Vienna, Liechtenstein and Lake of Constance Region and Norway’s West Coast). In the course of the project, the students and researchers learn to deal with contemporary planning tasks in a rapidly changing world, and the overarching goal is to create an exchange and dialogue for complex challenges. In our project, we will combine the reframing of the debate for our professions with an analytical perspective and a design approach into the topic towards a society in motion. Therefore this project will be accompanied by a research programme, various workshops, teaching activities, numerous public events and intensive work with local actors and experts. In addition, the quality of education is strengthened through mobility and cross-border cooperation through strategic partner universities and institutions. In this global age mobilisation of students and trainees is a central issue for their education and training as well. Hence, the research deals with the social and political issues of people in motion and explores design and spatial opportunities for the actors involved. Furthermore, the project calls a more socially just planning awareness and for social action which can take place at various planning levels. In this context, this issues will be discussed in open dialogue together with students, teachers, researchers, local and regional experts and actors. The overarching aim is to the active promotion of students, researchers and teachers for an engaged future to meet Europe’s current challenges “Europe needs more cohesive and inclusive societies which allow citizens to play an active role in democratic life. Education and youth work are key to prevent violent radicalisation by promoting common European values, fostering social integration enhancing intercultural understanding and a sense of belonging to a community. Erasmus+ is an important instrument to promote the inclusion of people with disadvantaged backgrounds, especially newly arrived migrants, in response to critical events affecting European countries.” (Call Programme Guide, 2016; p. 7)

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 193824,1 Eur

Project Coordinator

UNIVERSITAT LIECHTENSTEIN & Country: LI

Project Partners

• Bergen Arkitekthøgskole
• UNIVERSITAT FUR ANGEWANDTE KUNST WIEN