The following projects focus on various social challenges and aim to develop new solutions through practice-oriented research and innovative approaches.
AI-generated image
Space and encounter
Identity is a key word of modernity. It arises in a dialectic of encounters with a counterpart whose unavailability is often unbearable, but at the same time unavoidable for being oneself. Cognition, body, body and social interaction must flow into one another in order for identity to emerge. In addition, it must be asserted over a biographical course in order to last longer than a fleeting moment.
Moreover, every encounter takes place in a space that is shaped not only in a broader social sense, but also in other ways - e.g. architecturally or topographically. The influence of space on encounters is diffuse, barely tangible, but nevertheless of great power: people meet differently in the parking lot of a supermarket than in the reading room of a library, in front of Raphael's “Sistine Madonna” than at the bus stop.
From a social science perspective, space and encounters can be understood in different ways. Particularly relevant here are practice and system theory concepts from sociology.
Interdisciplinary research projects deal with the interaction of space and encounters by examining topics such as home in the migration society, inclusion as a project of communicative recognition and the effects of space on tourism. Other focal points are encounters as events, the role of space and communication and the development of virtual spaces that enable new forms of interaction and identity formation. These projects open up new perspectives on social challenges and contribute to the development of sustainable, inclusive solutions.
Our research projects
Vacancy analysis Dresden city center
How can vacancies in Dresden's city center be sustainably reduced? As part of a comprehensive vacancy analysis, the FHD is working together with City Management Dresden e.V. and Elbmind GmbH to gain valuable insights. A broad-based survey of citizens and city center stakeholders is intended to capture their needs and perspectives. The aim is to create a sound database for future urban development processes. The FHD is responsible for the scientific design of the survey and the analysis of the results. To ensure the neutrality and credibility of the study, the interim results and the final presentation will be presented to representatives of the press.
One university - One book: Open society - We help shape society!
Our university is actively engaging with Stefan Brunnhuber's book The Open Society, which highlights current social challenges and encourages reflection. Inspired by Karl R. Popper's ideas, we would like to discuss freedom, order and responsibility together with students, lecturers and partners from business and society. With lecture series, author readings, artistic activities and a student competition, we create space for creative and critical debate. As a cosmopolitan university, our aim is to provide impetus for sustainable change in Dresden and beyond.
IN-Tour: INclusive TOURism professions. European curricula for accessible tourism manager and frontline staff
The Erasmus+ project IN-Tour is revolutionizing qualification in the field of accessible tourism in Europe. The aim is to develop a European curriculum for tourism managers (EQF 6) and service employees (EQF 5) that meets the requirements of inclusive tourism. People with disabilities and special needs should be able to participate fully in tourism experiences in the future. The project combines social responsibility with economic benefits and strengthens the competitiveness of the European tourism sector. A flexible, modular training system is being created that can be used in all EU member states. Dresden University of Applied Sciences (FHD) is contributing to the successful implementation by developing digital teaching materials and testing the curricula. With strong partners from science and practice, IN-Tour is setting new standards for an accessible tourism industry in Europe.
UNEMI - Ecuador - Tourism & Event Management
The “FHD-UNEMI-TEM” project strengthens cooperation between Fachhochschule Dresden (FHD) and the Universidad Estatal del Milagro (UNEMI) in Ecuador. The aim is to develop a joint degree course in “Sustainable Tourism & Event Management” that is tailored to local needs in a practical way. Networking with companies and public institutions will ensure a sustainable transfer of knowledge. With its growing tourism industry and sustainable development goals, Ecuador offers ideal conditions for this project. The project contributes to the structural strengthening of teaching at UNEMI and promotes the further training of academic staff. In addition, both universities benefit from international exchange in research and teaching. As a key industry, tourism can have a positive impact on local infrastructure, education and health.
Development of the Kamenz 2030 vision
In the project, the future of the Lessingstadt Kamenz is being shaped in an open and citizen-involved process. With the support of citizens, visions and concrete goals for urban development are being developed that will serve as a basis for future decisions. The aim is to create a sustainable and future-proof model that includes all parts of the city and provides new impetus for regional development.
