Two New DIZH Structures Funded: LUDIC CULTURE HUB with DSI Involvement
The third Structure Call of the DIZH Innovation Program is funding two new projects – including the LUDIC CULTURE HUB, which establishes games as an interdisciplinary field of research and practice. Several members of the DSI are part of the project team.
From 16 submitted applications, the DIZH has selected two new structures in its third Structure Call: the LUDIC CULTURE HUB and HyP-Lab.
TheLUDIC CULTURE HUB brings together research and teaching on games as a cultural, educational, technological and artistic practice. At the Swiss Game Hub in Oerlikon, Zurich's four higher education institutions are creating a space where research, education, culture and the games industry can engage in ongoing dialogue. This collaboration is structured around four complementary dimensions, each led by a different institution: Ludic Social Analysis (UZH) examines play and gaming as cultural and interactional practices; Ludic Experience and Experiments (ZHdK) explores ludic methods for design, art and research and maintains a collection of historical play equipment and games; Ludic Education (PHZH) researches and develops meaningful ways of using games in education; Ludic Sustainability (ZHAW) focuses on games as a means of promoting sustainability, as well as on the sustainability of the games industry itself. Several members of the DSI are part of the project team.
Also funded is HyP-Lab, which develops hybrid participation formats for urban and municipal development in the canton of Zurich – with practice partners including Zurich's community centers and the city of Winterthur.
Both projects strengthen collaboration between the Zurich universities and external partners. Funding comes through the DIZH special credit, with close to CHF 1.2 million per project, over a three-year period.