EU GREEN Blended Intensive Programmes 2025
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“Context Design” applied to the Cultural and Natural Heritage of Humanity UNESCO
OPEN! CALL FOR APPLICANTS – ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programme
Extremadura University from the University Centre of Mérida, within the EU GREEN University Alliance, organizes a Blended Intensive Programme open for all academics from EU GREEN partner universities.
Coordinating and organizing University
Extremadura University from the University Centre of Mérida, (Spain), ES BADAJOZ01
Dr. Prof. Cayetano José Cruz García, ccruz@unex.es
Dr. Prof. Alonso Sánchez Rios, schezrio@une.es
Co-organizing Universities
University of Extremadura (Spain), E BADAJOZ01
University of Parma (Italy), I PARMA01
University of Evora (Portugal), P EVORA01
Receiving University and host
Receiving university – University of Extremadura (Spain), E BADAJOZ01
Host – University Center of Mérida (Santa Teresa de Jornet 37, Mérida, Spain https://cume.unex.es/
A joint training program is proposed, coordinated among the EUGREEN universities of Évora, Parma, and Extremadura. The project focuses on conducting a workshop in Product Design aimed at respecting and promoting the cultural and tourism values of heritage. Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage City, is proposed as the main setting, addressing a “specific context”: the shared values and heritage of Évora, Parma, and Mérida, particularly their cultural legacy and rich culinary traditions, which will serve as the connecting thread.
The primary objective is to train participants in designing products that enhance the value of heritage, fostering co-creation and a synchronous approach in temporal and spatial terms. Three fabrication laboratories will work in coordination to develop collaborative solutions, culminating in a traveling exhibition that facilitates the transfer of knowledge and experiences.
1.- Demonstrate an understanding of the cultural and natural context of Mérida as a World Heritage site
Students will be able to analyze and apply design principles considering the cultural and historical significance of Mérida as a UNESCO World Heritage site, integrating this context into their projects.
2.- Establish and evaluate international collaborations in design
Students will be able to identify, establish, and assess collaborations between different European Design Centers within the EUGREEN space, recognizing and leveraging the unique characteristics of each to enrich their own perspectives and design practices.
3.- Integrate humanistic and social factors into design projects
Students will effectively incorporate humanistic and social factors, such as sustainability and respect for cultural and natural heritage, into the development of tourism and design projects, promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.
4.- Participate in academic and professional exchange activities
Students will be capable of actively participating in meetings, workshops, and academic mobility programs, demonstrating adaptability, communication skills, and collaboration in an intercultural context.
5.- Analyze and apply the specific case of design in a World Heritage City
Students will be able to study, analyze, and apply specialized design knowledge within the context of a city like Mérida, a World Heritage site, understanding the specific challenges and opportunities this context represents for design focused on tourism and cultural heritage in other cities such as Parma and Évora.
6.- To carry out design prototyping work collaboratively in diverse and remote environments.
Students will be able to collaboratively prototype their designs synchronously across different locations (Italy, Portugal, and Spain) and diverse work environments, developing skills in coordination and adaptability for remote and team-based work.
7.- To organize and present an itinerant exhibition of the final products.
Students will be able to design, coordinate, and present an itinerant exhibition of their final products, showcasing their creations in various cities and contexts, and developing competencies in exhibition management and project dissemination in design and cultural heritage.
These learning outcomes aim to prepare students to apply their knowledge in the specific context of Mérida, develop international and multidisciplinary competencies, and contribute to sustainable tourism with a humanistic and respectful perspective toward cultural and natural heritage.
First half, Week face-to-face in Merida
(May 19 – 23, 2025)
1.- Context Design
1.1. Context Design applied to the cultural and natural heritage of humanity UNESCO: “Emerita Augusta”
1.2. Monumental Site of Mérida. Mérida and its Urban Heritage
National Museum of Roman Art of Mérida (MNAR). Educational Guides of the Monumental City of Mérida Consortium. (CCMM)
2.- Workshops. Experiences from the local context
2.1. Roman Food.
2.2. Roman styling and fashion
2.3. Ceramic Crafts
2.4. Mosaic and Crafts
3.- Archaeological Documentation. Archaeological Drawing
3.1. Archaeological Documentation. Archaeological Drawing
3.2. Digital twins in Heritage. Integrated digital documentation methodologies
3.3. Built heritage conservation, management and enhancement
3.4. Archaeological Photography. Built heritage survey, 3D modelling, virtual reconstructions and video-mapping
4.- Designing “the particular”
4.1. Concept. Design thinking
4.2. Drawing for Ideation and design
4.3. Advanced CAD
5.- Development and prototyping
5.1. Prototyping for Service Design at the local level
5.2. Manufacturing processes in design
6.- Communications in innovation and design
6.1. Systemic Innovation Design for Cultural Heritage
6.2. Graphic Communication. Graphic Design
6.3. Final Works of Design Context in Cultural and Tourist Heritage
7.- Living “Emerita Lúdica”
https://www.emerita-lvdica.es/
Virtual training and online tutoring
Second half, Virtual (May 29 – June 26, 2025)
- Concept. Design Thinking and Drawing for Ideation
- Advanced CAD
- Development and prototyping. Process
- Communications, innovation, Photography and Graphic design
- Transfer of results. Exhibition and edition of catalog book
Total number of participants by institution
The BlP is open to a maximum of 15 participants.
Admission profile
Student third Degree courses. Preferably in Product Design, but also in the different specialisations of Design, and in Architecture.
Conditions for Admission
- Transcript of records and certificate of enrolment
- Personal motivation letter, maximum 300 words.
- Certificate of Spanish (priority) or English language, or justification of their knowledge.
How to apply
Applicants should complete the APPLICATION FORM till MARCH 24th, 2025.
“Deadline for application – MARCH 24th, 2025 “
Selection procedure
An appointed Committee of the organizer institution will carry out the selection procedure. Applicants should expect to hear back about the result of their application by MARCH 24th, 2025. Selected applicants must communicate their acceptance or withdrawal within 5 days from the publication of the selection results by contacting their university program coordinator. Selected applicants will be contacted with further instructions upon completion of the selection procedures.
Financial support
The attendance of the Blended Intensive Programme may be covered by an ERASMUS+ STT Staff Mobility for Training grant for all mobile participants (excluding applicants from the receiving University). This financial support may only be guaranteed by the selected applicant’s home University.
Please refer to your local coordinator or Erasmus/International Relations Office for any further information related to the financial support made available.
BIP Coordinators
Dr. Prof. Cayetano José Cruz García, ccruz@unex.es
Dr. Prof. Alonso Sánchez Rios, schezrio@une.es
Local mobility coordinator contact:
Javier Domingo Carmona Murillo
Mobility Coordinator at Merida University Centre (CUMe)
Extremadura University (UEx)
Administration contact:
David Castor Plasencia Fragoso
Mobility Project Manager
International Relations Office
Extremadura University (UEx)
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