Last year, the final presentation of the research project Raumstaben by Prof. Claudius Lazzeroni and Natascha Dell took place in the Neue Aula in Werden. The multi-year project explored systems of signs in virtual and multisensory environments. How does the perception of linguistic signs change in real or virtual spaces? What new forms of interaction with writing, language, and signs become possible in these contexts? These and other questions were explored through a rich artistic discourse. Further insights can be found in the article below.
In the winter semester 2024/25, the project was continued under the direction of Prof. Claudius Lazzeroni and Prof. Matthias Schlothfeldt as part of a course at Folkwang University of the Arts. Communication design students and musicians worked in five groups, conducting numerous experiments with notation systems to develop their own visualizations and compositions. The focus was on the interpretation and improvisation of painted patterns. Various objects were also used to produce sound.
Based on these exploratory exercises, the communication design students created their own notations using TouchDesigner. These were then interpreted by musicians and dancers, either in live performances or after rehearsals.
The final presentation of the course, as seen here, took place on April 11, 2025, at the Pina Bausch Theater in Essen-Werden. Friends and family of the participants were invited to experience the completed works.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Claudius and Matthias for this inspiring course and the new perspectives it offered us this semester. Special thanks also go to the technical team of the Pina Bausch Theater, whose dedicated support ensured smooth transitions between presentations, and to Philip Popien for developing the TouchDesigner programs used in the course.
The Raumstaben course is expected to be offered again in the upcoming winter semester.
Photos and text by Sophia Stenzel
