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 this 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 implementation. 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 spring 2027, as well as a later variation in the context of Angewandte festival 2027. Within this two-tier schedule, we will from time to time invite guest lecturers, visit exhibitions and/or relevant institutions, 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

- willingness to take on shared tasks in the process of preparing the scheduled exhibition

- at least 75 % attendance