Workshops

Led by Roberta Bridda (Spain, University of Barcelona) and Giuliana Riunno (Italy, Biblioteca Attiva and Associazione Start)
22–25 April 2025 – FDA Pilsen

Led by Giuliana Riunno and Roberta Bridda, the workshop focused on creating tactile picture books for visually impaired readers. Participants explored methods from the publication First Steps in Making a Tactile Picture Book, which the authors presented based on their extensive experience. The topic bridges creative practice with research and inclusive design.

Led by Judith Asher (Israel, Holon Institute of Technology)
21–24 April 2025 – FDA Pilsen

Judith Asher, an Israeli illustrator, designer and lecturer, explores the tension between form and content in visual communication. During the workshop, she shared her approach to illustration as a tool for storytelling. Participants created original works, later printed using risograph techniques. These will be included among the illustrations and graphic works at the Power of Life symposium scheduled for 2026.

Led by Michael Bielický
3 December 2024 – FDA Pilsen

The workshop explored creative strategies for engaging with public space. Master´s and doctoral students from the Department of Audiovisual Art examined how artistic intervention can cultivate, disrupt or challenge a space. Emphasis was placed on spatial appropriation, social awareness, and experimental expression beyond institutional settings.

Led by MgA. Michal Poustka
28 November 2024 – FDA Pilsen

How can virtual reality support mental health and creative well-being? The workshop led by Michal Poustka opened the door to XR technologies as tools for relaxation, concentration, and regeneration. Alongside theoretical insights, participants explored practical techniques for stress reduction and enhanced creative thinking. The programme included the opportunity to create immersive 3D artworks in an interactive environment that stimulated both mind and imagination. Discussions focused on the role of XR in education, the arts, and therapeutic practice.

Led by MgA. Markéta Kalivodová
26 November 2024 – FDA Pilsen

The subtle green tones of celadon hide a story of centuries-old ceramic mastery. Under the guidance of Markéta Kalivodová, this workshop explored the evolution, composition, and technical aspects of celadon glazes, with a special focus on iron oxide (Fe₂O₃) reduction. Participants learnt about historical contexts, Seger formulas, and the properties of ceramic materials, while gaining insights into current research approaches. The workshop featured a creative presentation of the project, a demonstration of ceramic 3D printing, and a guided tour of a specialised studio, including an open discussion of test results and reference materials.

Led by Dr John Fass (University of the Arts in London)
22 November 2024 – FDA Pilsen

A workshop led by Dr John Fass (University of the Arts London) focused on design as a tool for effective interdisciplinary collaboration. The aim was to foster shared understanding and address complex challenges in cross-field teams. The event was attended by representatives of the Faculty of Design and Art and the New Technologies Research Centre, University of West Bohemia.

Led by Dr John Fass (University of the Arts in London)
19 November 2024 – FDA Pilsen

The workshop offered PhD students a chance to contextualise their creative practice within current research. Led by Dr. John Fass, participants developed their research aims, considered key partners, outputs, and necessary support. Focus was placed on the ethical responsibility of digital designers, material exploration, and forms of practical outcomes. Results were jointly presented at the end.

2nd Interdisciplinary Workshop Led by an Expert Team Across UWB
For FDA: David Tolar, Jan Korabečný
19 November 2024 – Multilab at FDA Pilsen

How can design contribute to health prevention? The second workshop focused on pelvic floor disorder prevention brought together experts from multiple faculties of the University of West Bohemia under the BYCZ01-014 project. The agenda included presentations of non-invasive muscle activity measurement methods, biomechanical modelling, and updates on the development of a functional prototype. The event fostered knowledge sharing across disciplines, from medicine to design, and initiated a broader discussion on the application of emerging technologies in diagnostics and education.

Led by Ruth Anderwald and Leonard Grond (Universität für Angewandte Kunst)
1 and 3 October 2024 – FDA Pilsen

Two interconnected workshops focused on the development of doctoral projects and students’ research competencies explored the specifics of artistic research and its management. The first session examined the differences between artistic practice and research, particularly in terms of methodology and interdisciplinary sources. The follow-up session addressed project management within open research processes, including their analysis and structuring. The outcomes of both workshops were jointly presented at the end.

Led by Dr. Yael Eylat van Essen (Holon Institute of Technology & Tel-Aviv University)
23 and 27 September 2024 – FDA Pilsen

Two thematically connected workshops led by Israeli theorist and curator Yael Eylat van-Essen focused on research strategies in art and design. MA and PhD students explored mapping as a creative method, combining field observation and data to develop action plans for new artistic or design outcomes. The second workshop built on this by analysing case studies and applying both traditional and digital research approaches.

Led by MgA. Jana Potužáková, Ph.D.
5 December 2023 – FDA Pilsen

How can we prevent problems people rarely talk about? This project connects art, research, and medicine to develop a modular system for pelvic floor disorder prevention. It aims to raise awareness, support women's health, and strengthen cross-border collaboration in the Bavaria–Czech region.

Led by MgA. Adéla Fürstová
4 December 2023 – FDA Pilsen

What if a garment could be created in one go – no seams, no cuts, just design and technology hand in hand? This workshop led by Adéla Fürstová explored the potential of wholegarment 3D knitting in designing fashion accessories and shoe uppers. Participants delved into the world of smart textiles, construction methods, and experimental materials such as TPU and thermosetting yarns. The session included a presentation of developed samples and a lively discussion on how design can collaborate with research and industry.

Led by MgA. Martin Dokoupil
24 November 2023 – FDA Pilsen

Can photography reveal more than the human eye perceives? Participants explored spatial visualisation through 3D simulations, anaglyph images, and VR technology. The programme included not only presentations of the project’s results, but also hands-on testing of spatial perception and the opportunity to create their own hyperstereo recordings using professional equipment.