Bodies of Water explores the relationship between water, pedagogy and design, highlighting the central role of water in social and environmental change. Through a multidisciplinary approach, it encourages critical reflection on the climate crisis and sustainability, focusing on the Mediterranean as a climate hotspot. The programme examines phenomena such as desertification, natural cycles and the intersections between ecology and politics, exploring innovative solutions informed by artistic, scientific and design methodologies.
It is an Erasmus Plus Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) led by Abadir and curated by Giulia Colletti, in partnership with the Universität Für Angewandte Kunst Wien (Austria) and the Escola d'Art i Superior de Disseny de Castelló (Spain).
Bodies of Water is part of Waterschool South, an initiative developed by Abadir as an extension of the Waterschool initiated in Rotterdam by Studio Makkink & Bey: an educational programme centred on the strategic importance of water as a finite resource, to foster cultural, academic and scientific progress and to improve the quality of life in Southern Europe and in the Mediterranean basin.
«Rather than offering definitive answers, Bodies of Water promotes collective thinking, creating common ground across the humanities, social sciences and environmental studies, and encouraging an integrated interdisciplinary perspective.»
The online phase took place online between January and February. In March, students from all partnering institutions gathered in Catania for a series of site visits and project-based activities, culminating in the final presentation of their work.
Participants explored the relationship between the city and water: a deep and long-standing connection, often hidden from view. With INGV researcher Stefano Branca and a tour guide from Associazione Etna ‘Ngeniousa, they traced the history of the city’s underground streams, visiting locations and landmarks that reveal Catania’s historical bond with water, such as the Amenano Fountain, the Pozzo di Gammazita, Castello Ursino and the Terme Achilliane. Fabio D’Agata then led a visit to the Consorzio Acque Santa Tecla, a former Nineteenth century water extraction and distribution complex.
Photo credits: Elisabetta Carrubba
All projects will be brought together and made publicly accessible through Wetscapes, a collaborative digital archive promoting experimental and transdisciplinary methodologies, integrating design, science, history and visual arts to address current environmental challenges and actively contribute to the European policy debate on climate. The ultimate goal is to reframe the Mediterranean not as a border, but as an open space for diverse perspectives in addressing the climate crisis.
Guest speakers
