The success of cross-disciplinary practice crucially depends on (1) the development of an appropriate discursive framework so that a fruitful encounter among epistemologically distinct approaches can take place; (2) the elaboration of a sound and supportive methodological structure tailored towards the specific project outline; and (3) the self-reflexive creation of a multi-perspectival approach that is both conscious and critical of its own, sometimes complicated situatedness. Content-framing, methodological drive, and apt self-positioning thus figure as important determinants when working across various domains.

Keeping these general factors in mind, the Master CDC Lab sets out on a double task: The primary emphasis lies on the step-by-step development of students’ individual projects, both with respect to their theoretical underpinnings and their prospective practical implementations. Second, we will start to work on an overarching, collective theme that will fully be developed over the course of both semesters and issue in a group exhibition in the context of Angewandte festival 2026. Within this two-tier schedule, we will from time to time visit exhibitions and/or relevant institutions, invite guest lecturers, and engage with successful and/or outstanding cases of cross-disciplinary work – provided that they contribute to the elaboration of the annual topic. By doing so, we will fathom, and hopefully profit from, manifold “best practice” examples, while aiming for a hands-on understanding of transversal, boundary-shifting togetherness.

In order to successfully finish the class, students are required to accomplish the following tasks:

- project presentation

- written project outline/exposé

- participation in group work

- at least 75 % attendance