DESIG*ness new Summer School in Vilnius

We are excited to announce the final stage of the DESIG*ness Summer School Program 2024, happening in Vilnius from September 23rd to 27th. This last session concludes our series of summer schools with a deep dive into how design can create more inclusive environments, focusing on accessibility and the needs of people with disabilities.

Students from NABA in Italy, the Art Academy of Latvia in Riga, and Vilnius Academy of Arts in Lithuania will come together to work on designing more inclusive spaces and systems. The workshops will challenge students to think beyond aesthetics, addressing real-world issues such as physical accessibility and the emotional needs of individuals with disabilities.

The program will center around the core workshop, “...TRY WALKING IN MY SHOES, YOU’LL STUMBLE IN MY FOOTSTEPS...”, a transformative experience featuring a series of impactful workshops and lectures. These sessions will be delivered by two leading professors, Saulius Jusionis and Meital Cohen, collaborating to provide an exceptional and enriching learning journey. Key sessions include "The Japanese Experience" by Vygintas Orlovas and a brainstorming workshop on inclusive information, mapping, and documenting. Participants will benefit from insights provided by Giedrė Sasnauskienė, chairwoman of the Occupational Therapists Society, who will discuss the adaptation of physical environments for people with disabilities. Art therapist Giedrė Markauskienė from the Center for Persons with Disabilities "Korys" will explore the importance of adapted public spaces for people with intellectual and mental disabilities. Additionally, Aušra Sebeikaitė, chairperson of the Association of Art Therapists "TerapiArta," will focus on the emotional state of individuals in environments unsuitable for their needs.

Program highlights in Vilnius:

Exploring accessibility: Lectures and workshops will focus on adapting public spaces for individuals with physical, intellectual, and mental disabilities. These will include hands-on sessions led by Meital Cohen and her team and expert lectures by Giedrė Sasnauskienė, Giedrė Markauskienė, and Aušra Sebeikaitė.
Cultural experience: A visit to Trakai Island Castle will provide students with an opportunity to analyze and brainstorm how to make historical and cultural spaces more inclusive. This experience will be followed by a session at the Gothic Hall in Vilnius, where participants will refine their ideas.
Collaborative prototyping: Intensive group work will allow participants to develop and present ideas that can improve the accessibility of physical environments. These activities will be led by Meital Cohen, Otto Dent, and Agne Čeliauskaitė, who will guide students through the design and prototyping process.
Final presentation: The program will culminate in a public presentation on September 27th, where students will share their innovative proposals. This event will serve as a reflection on the transformative impact of inclusive design and will be open to citizens and students alike.

This final summer school marks the conclusion of the 2024 DESIG*ness series but signals the beginning of new initiatives. Looking forward, the project will continue with the creation of inclusive design guidelines aimed at fostering diversity and accessibility in broader contexts.

Are you curious to find out what will happen during the different stages? Stay tuned, as we'll keep you updated with the latest news and video highlights from the events in our partners' social media channels!