Commons In( )Design?
Project information
submitted by
Marcel Saidov
Mentors
Jun. Prof. Katharina Köhler M.A.
Faculty:
Art and Design
Degree programme:
Visual Communication (Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)),
Visual Communication (Master of Arts (M.A.))
Type of project presentation
Exhibition
Semester
Summer semester 2026
- Marienstraße 14
(1. Obergeschoss)
Available during summaery's regular opening hours
Project description
Digital tools now play a decisive role in our practice as typographic designers—yet many of these tools are tied to proprietary systems and subscription-based licensing models. This stands in contrast to the design practice taught today at art schools.
In this course, we will therefore examine the role of the commons for our design practice. The term »commons« refers both to natural resources and to those that are collectively produced, created, maintained, and used—such as collective knowledge or software.
What forms of the commons can be distinguished, for example with regard to material, digital, or knowledge-based resources? Under what conditions are they made available, and who gains access or is excluded? Under what conditions do commons emerge, and how are they maintained and further developed? What roles and responsibilities do designers have in this context? What do we—from our perspective as designers—understand by the commons, and what do they mean for our practice? What resources are available to us as a group in the project module, within the university, and as designers—with and without internet access? Which ones can we create ourselves, and how can we make them accessible through design and typography?