NEB VAA Researchers
Viltė Adomavičiūtė - interior architect, designer, and researcher of eco-friendly material composites. "My projects focus on creating unique spaces and objects, with a particular focus on the applicability of hemp shives (Cannabis Sativa L) in contemporary design. In my work, I aim to create a sustainable environment, taking into account the local consumption of land resources. My work is inspired by the inevitable need to preserve nature and human health by finding sustainable options for biomaterials and their applicability in residential and public spaces."
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Hempcretelogic
Aim: to develop eco-friendly hemp shive composites (blends) with potential applications ranging from individual design objects to construction projects. Hemp, as an eco-friendly and rapidly renewable resource, has a potential to become a widely applicable industrial material, significantly contributing to solving global environmental and sustainable production challenges. The main hypothesis of this research is that hemp, as a natural and environmentally friendly material, can play an important role in the development of sustainable and efficient sound management solutions, based on research on acoustic materials from hemp.
In addition, the use of hemp as a building material - hempcrete - reveals an eco-friendly approach to the construction industry. This project not only highlights the versatility of the hemp plant, but also encourages further research and innovation focused on the creative use of hemp. The research highlights how every part of the plant can be used responsibly, reducing waste, which is not only an expression of the Zero Waste philosophy but also an example of the circular economy and the European Green Deal.
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Dr. Ieva Blinstrubienė – member of the Restorers Union of Lithuania, conducts expert work in the field of architectural site research and restoration design.
Main projects include: architectural site research of the Vilnius Old Regula Carmelite Monastery Buildings Ensemble (together with E. Purlys); additional architectural research and restoration project design for The House of Signatories (together with D. and J. Ferguson); site research and restoration project design for parts of the Missionary Monastery complex, Paneriai Manor, New Arsenal, Basilian and Bernardine Monastery complexes, the first eastern wing of the Jonušas Radvila Palace in Vilnius, the synagogue of Eišiškės, the Kudirka villa in Palanga, and the Stasinė barn; architectural research of the remains of buildings uncovered during archaeological excavations at Gediminas Hill in Vilnius, Reformers Square, the Boguslav Radvila Palace territory (together with UAB "Atodangos"), Alytus Manor site, and the churchyard of Karmėlava St. Anne's Church.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Applied research on Vilnius architectural heritage.
Aim: scientific applied research on architectural heritage is particularly important in the processes of restoring and adapting Lithuanian real heritage to meet contemporary needs. During this research, data is collected on the architectural elements of the buildings, the evolution of their structures, as well as establishing the official attributes of cultural value, of which authenticity is considered the most important. The information gathered is used for the preparation of restoration projects and for the scientific study of the heritage by deepening the knowledge of historical building technologies and artistic development. The primary goal of the research is to systematise the data from these applied architectural studies and present them in the form of a monograph and methodological recommendations. The research is planned to systematise, according to the selected typological and architectural groups, the materials for research on the nature of architecture collected and archived since the 1970s.
Viktorija Diak, Ph.D., is an emerging researcher focused on Speculative Design, Additive Technologies, and Smart Textiles. Her work addresses the integration of smart textiles into the textile industry, and she has developed a conceptual model for applying smart textiles within the metaverse. Additionally, she has introduced a new method for producing 3D-printed quasi-textile structures and continues to develop this technique. Her research findings have been published in international scientific journals and presented at various conferences.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Modeling prototypes using 3D printed composite electronic fabric and studying the possibilities of their use in replacing parts of conventional clothing items and accessories.
Aim: To design and launch a collection of diverse designer items—including apparel and footwear—featuring integrated 3D-printed structures with inherent smart functionalities. This collection is intended to be showcased at an international conference to attract interest from researchers and industry professionals.
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Dr. Aldis Gedutis – (science) philosopher, senior researcher at the Center for Social Change Studies, Klaipėda University. He specializes in philosophy of science and sociology, evaluation practices in social sciences and humanities, and epistemic and normative aspects of artistic research. Co-author of four monographs: with L. Kraniauskas “Evaluation Practices of Social Sciences and Humanities in Lithuania“ (2013); with V. Michelkevičius “Treatise on Artistic Research: Knowledges, Practices, Impacts“ (2023); with K. Kirtiklis "Between Value and Impact: On Real and Imaginary Crisis in the Humanities and the Ways to Overcome It” (2020) and "Of Love and Other Demons of the Humanities" (2024). Member of the European Network for the Research Evaluation of Social Sciences and Humanities (ENRESSH).
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Epistemology and communication of artistic research in Lithuania and Northern Eastern Europe in the 21st century.
Aim: together with a team of researchers (Vytautas Michelkevičius, Kęstas Kirtiklis, Mika Pekka Elo, Jan Georg Glöckner) to critically evaluate the emergence, flourishing, and epistemic fights of the phenomenon of artistic research, and to write a collective monograph from a theoretical and practical interdisciplinary perspectives. The main focus of A. Gedutis in the monograph is on the notions of the quality of artistic research, as well as on evaluation practices and criteria.
Achievements
Fulbright Fellowship "The Evaluation Criteria of Social Sciences and Humanities: The Appraisal of the American Approach" at Florida State University, USA (2008). 2 COST ENRESSH Fellowships "Ethics of Research Evaluation" at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy (2019). Together with Liutauras Kraniauskas he is the author of the best monograph of Klaipėda University (2014). Together with Kęstas Kirtiklis, he is the author of the best monograph of Vilnius University of Humanities (2020).
Photo: Audrius Laurinaiti
Jan Georg Glöckner – researching artist and designer. Interest lies in the field of artistic biotechnology, where he is currently mapping the possibilities of choreography of humans and fungi underwater. He hopes to find a new common ground beyond the "natural" habitat of non-aquatic fungi and non-aquatic mammals. He pays particular attention to considerations of ethics and mutual consent between fungi and humans, an area where there can be no simple and definitive answers.
Jan's work has been exhibited at the MO Museum in Vilnius, the Ars Electronica Festival (Linz, Austria), the international contemporary art exhibition "documenta 15" (Kassel, Germany), etc.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Epistemology and communication of artistic research in Lithuania and Northern Eastern Europe in the 21st century.
Aim: together with a team of researchers (Aldis Gedutis, Kęstas Kirtiklis, Mika Pekka Elo, Vytautas Michelkevičius) to critically evaluate the emergence, flourishing, and epistemic fights of the phenomenon of artistic research, and to write a collective monograph from a theoretical and practical interdisciplinary perspectives.
Achievements
2023 Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT) support for PhD students "for good study results".
2020 Art-Science-Economy Grant from the State of North Rhine-Westphalia in the artists' village Schöppingen, Germany.
2020 Musikfonds e.V. Foundation grant for electroacoustic composition, Germany.
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Dr. Indrė Gražulevičiūtė-Vileniškė – Doctor of Technological Sciences, Doctor of Technological Sciences, Associate Professor, conducting research in the following areas: application of sustainable development principles in architecture, landscape architecture, and heritage, environmental ethics, nature-based solutions in cities, and biophilic design. Indrė is the author and co-author of more than 100 scientific publications, including those published by international publishers such as SAGE, Elsevier, and Taylor & Francis, as well as referenced in WOS and SCOPUS databases. She is also a researcher in scientific projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania and the European Union.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Biomimetic (biomimicry-based) solutions for enhancing the sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and inclusivity of architectural objects and urban structures.
Aim: a qualitative descriptive study of natural systems and structures that could serve as sources of inspiration for designing or transforming urban structures and architectural objects. The research seeks to formulate preliminary biomimicry principles applicable to addressing issues of sustainability, visual appeal, and inclusivity in urban and architectural environments.
Other information about the researcher
www.researchgate.net/profile/Indre_Grazuleviciute-Vileniske/research
Dr. Mika Pekka Elo - curator, visual artist, researcher and professor. Research interests include theory of photographic media, philosophical media theory and epistemology of artistic research. His recent research focuses on extended writing and the ecology of practices. In 2019-2022, he worked as a Principal Investigator on one of the research projects of the consortium “Post-digital Epistemologies of the Photographic Image”. In 2012-2013 he co-curated the Finnish exhibition “Falling Trees” at the Biennale Arte 2013 in Venice. In 2018-2019 he worked as one of the coordinators of Research Pavilion #3 at the Venice Biennale, and was also part of the core organising group of Research Pavilion #5. He is a member of the editorial board of journals such as RUUKKU (since 2012) and JAR (2010-2019). Since 2015, he has been working as Professor of artistic research and Head of the Fine Arts PhD Programme at the Academy of Fine Arts, Helsinki University of the Arts. During the academic year 2021/2022 he was a visiting professor at the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA), Tallinn.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Epistemology and communication of artistic research in Lithuania and Northern Eastern Europe in the 21st century.
Aim: together with a team of researchers (Aldis Gedutis, Kęstas Kirtiklis, Jan Georg Glöckner, Vytautas Michelkevičius) to critically evaluate the epistemic guidelines and theories developed in the Nordic institutions fostering artistic research and to write a collective monograph from a theoretical and practical interdisciplinary perspectives.
Other information about the researcher
https://kuvatila.uniarts.fi/exhibition/claws-and-connections-all-the-worlds-senses
Dr. Karolina Jakaitė is a design historian and researcher, exhibition curator, senior researcher at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Institute of Art Research, actively working in the field of design research and its actualization for more than 17 years.
Since 2006, she has been specialising in design research, interning at foreign universities and research institutions, and giving presentations at conferences in Lithuania and abroad. In 2012, she defended her PhD thesis "Lithuanian graphic design in the 1950s-1970s: between national and international" at the Vilnius Academy of Arts. In 2017-2019, she was a postdoctoral research fellow at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, with the research topic "Lithuanian Design at International and Baltic Exhibitions 1966-1985: Origins, Influences, Tensions and Identities”. She has been working at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Institute of Art Research since 2019.
Karolina Jakaitė is intensively researching Lithuanian Soviet-era design, the activities of institutions, is interested in the histories of objects and their creators, contemporary design processes, theories of everyday culture, and the activities of design institutions.
As a curator, she has organised exhibitions including "Stories of things. Lithuanian design, 1918-2018" at the National Gallery of Art, the 2023 international exhibition "Retrotopia: Design for Socialist Spaces" at the Kunstgewerbemuseum (Museum of Decorative Arts) in Berlin, curating a Lithuanian capsule. Karolina Jakaitė has implemented projects to actualize the history of design and has given public lectures in Lithuania and abroad.
Achievements
In 2019, LAPAS published K. Jakaitė's research study "The Cold War Capsule: Lithuanian Design in London, 1968", and in 2020 the book was nominated for the Book of the Year Award in the category of journalism and documentary.
In 2022, the monograph "Antanas Kazakauskas. Everything is Programmed" was shortlisted for the Art Criticism Awards 2023 in the "Long Form" category.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Baltic design history/ies: research, preservation of artefacts, integration into international contexts.
Aim: to carry out systematic research on the history of Baltic design by searching, documenting and analysing archival documents, authentic sources from private archives, collecting visual and contextual material, narratives of oral histories.
Other information about the researcher
www.vda.lt/lt/dailetyros-institutas/skyriai-ir-darbuotojai-/karolina-jakaite
Dr. Triin Jerlei is an Associate Professor in Product Design at the Estonian Academy of Art.
Expertise
2022 Curator of the exhibition “Looking through objects. Women in Contemporary Estonian Design”. Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design;
2020 Curator of the international exhibition "Ornament in Baltic modern design, 1955-1985". Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design / The Museum of Applied Arts and Design of the LNMA;
2020 Member of the Programme Committee of the 12th Conference of the International Committee for Design History and Design Studies in Zagreb;
2019 Chair of the Symposium "Making and shaping things in creative economies. From history to present day", Vilnius University, 28-30 November;
2019 External Specialist in charge of the guidelines for writing and assessment of practice-based Master's theses at the Faculty of Design, Estonian Academy of Arts;
2017 Member of the Organising Committee of the 7th Tallinn Triennial of Applied Art;
2016 Curator of the exhibition "Local beauty. Glass factory Tarbeklaas”. Estonian Museum of Applied Art and Design.
Achievements
2018-2020 Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT) grant to Vilnius University for the research project "Baltic Identity in Industrial Design" (project no. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-08-0001).
2018 Fritz Thyssen Foundation "Herzog Ernst" research scholarship, Gotha Research Centre, Germany.
2016 Estonian Cultural Foundation scholarship for a presentation at the 10th ICDHS Conference in Taipei.
2014 University of Brighton scholarship to present a paper at the 9th ICDHS Conference in Aveiro.
2013 Estonian Cultural Foundation scholarship for PhD research.
2013 Santander Research Scholarship for doctoral research.
2012 Estonian Cultural Foundation scholarship for an article in the peer-reviewed journal Kunstiteaduslikke Uurimusi/Studies on Art and Architecture.
2012 Estonian Cultural Foundation scholarship for doctoral research.
2010 Estonian Cultural Foundation scholarship for a presentation at the 7th ICDHS conference in Brussels.
2010 Estonian Cultural Foundation scholarship to support PhD studies.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Baltic design history/ies: research, preservation of artefacts, integration into international contexts.
Aim: to carry out systematic research on the history of Baltic design by searching, documenting and analysing archival documents, authentic sources from private archives, collecting visual and contextual material, oral histories.
Sandra Kasperavičienė is a professional designer whose scientific and artistic interests include: sustainable design solutions, design of interior objects made of innovative eco-materials, research on biocomposite materials, innovative design solutions for exhibition spaces, and graphic design expression in advertising and publishing.
Sustainable design solutions in Flanders project "Designregio Kortrijk", in the programme "5X5"; curated exhibition "Stories of Design Innovation: from Kortrijk to Kaunas"; various graphic design projects in collaboration with photographers Gintaras Česonis, Romualdas Požerskis, Romualdas Rakauskas, Kęstutis Navakas, Vitas Luckas; in cooperation with the company Gravera, created the brand GLASSTOO, and others.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Creating interior design objects from natural origin materials and exploring their use for global societal impact.
Aim: a feasibility study on the properties and applicability of new natural materials for interior design, taking into account the needs of renowned global brands for sustainable development. Creating added-value interior design objects, not only through the composition and sustainable production of natural materials through the display and operation of these design objects in their own retail chains worldwide. Natural construction materials selected according to the brands' own relevant materials used in their products (wood, shredded fibres, textiles, etc.) to ensure closed life cycles. These sustainable design objects not only contribute to the sustainable development of companies, but also to the education of the general public on ecology.
Other information about the researcher
www.interjeras.lt/interjero-dizaineris/sandra-kasperaviciene
https://dizainaskaune.lt/dizaino-inovaciju-programa-5x5/
https://designregio-kortrijk.be/en/news-events/5x5-kaunas-results
Dr. Dalia Klajumienė – art historian, chief researcher at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Institute of Art Research, since 2019 Head of the Institute. Since 2021, full member of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. Researches Lithuanian art of the XVIII – 1st half of XX centuries, interior decoration of secular buildings, the history and attribution of industrial art products, and cultural heritage issues. Dr. Dalia Klajumienė has published 4 monographs, over 80 academic articles, and more than 50 popular science articles on art history and heritage protection. Participated in the implementation of more than 10 scientific projects, was the leader of 5 of them. Dr. Dalia Klajumienė lectures to students of Vilnius Academy of Arts and the Faculty of History of Vilnius University, supervises bachelor's and master's theses, and supervises PhD students in art history. Expert in fundamental scientific works, applied heritage conservation and heritage management projects.
Since 2017, Dr. Dalia Klajumienė has been focusing on the topic of production, attribution and marking of dutch-tile stoves and fireplaces dating XIX – 7th decade of XX centuries.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: The heritage of XIX–XX centuries dutch-tile stoves in Lithuania: attribution of manufacturers and historical reconstruction of the product.
Achievements
In 2017, the Lithuanian Science Prize was awarded for the cycle of works "Lietuvos XVIII a. antros pusės – XX a. pradžios pasaulietinių interjerų paveldas: dekoro elementų tyrimai” (eng. The Heritage of Lithuanian Secular Interiors of the second half of the XVIII - early XX century: research on decor elements".
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Photo: Justas Kereišis
Dr. Milda Kuraitytė is a design researcher, lecturer, and Doctor of Communication Design.
M. Kuraitytė conducts research at the intersection of architectural structures, typography, and visual attention. She obtained her PhD in Communication Design from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Lisbon. Part of her doctoral research was carried out in Belgium in collaboration with READSEARCH.
In her research, typography is examined as an integral part of architectural and urban structures, influencing spatial rhythm and the distribution of attention, with a particular focus on building façades. Her empirical studies are based on eye-tracking methods, which allow for the analysis of attention distribution and visual load within architectural environments.
Research conducted at the VDA NEB Research Centre
Topic: Biomimetic (biomimicry-based) solutions for enhancing the sustainability, aesthetic appeal, and inclusivity of architectural objects and urban structures.
Objective: Based on the analysis of long-evolving and successfully functioning natural structures, to formulate biomimetic principles and test them in simulation models to address issues of sustainability, visual attractiveness, and inclusivity in urban structures and architectural objects.
Achievements:
Publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals (Visible Language);
Presentations at international conferences: ATypI, COST E-READ, Typographics / TypeLab, Encontro de Tipografia;
Short-Term Scientific Missions (STSM): Belgium, Greece (COST);
Memberships: ATypI (Lithuanian delegate), The Readability Consortium, COST E-READ, European Literacy Network.
Ieva Laskevičiūtė – Lithuanian contemporary art jeweller specialising in metal and textile work. She graduated from the Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2020 with a Bachelor's degree in Metal Art and Jewellery and in 2023 acquired a Master's degree in Textile Art. During her undergraduate studies, she was a visiting student at Birmingham City University and during her Master's studies she was a visiting student at the Estonian Academy of Arts.
Ieva's work emphasises the relationship between the body and emotion through engagement with a multifaceted, delicate, and purposeful craft, along with repetitive gestures. The scale of contemporary jewellery serves as an oasis for her, capable of encompassing all creative expressions. The chosen materials and applied knowledge of traditional jewellery craft crystallise into objects for the body, wearable or artistic jewellery, or even sculpture, often speaking through unconventional, experimental materials and promoting various aspects of sustainability.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: New product "Perkrauti akmenys vol. 2” (eng. Reloaded stones vol. 2) development by creating the design and technology of artificial "stones", using waste materials not suitable for recycling.
Aim: to develop the technology and design of artificial "stones" using waste construction materials. This is a further development and continuation of the idea of the “Reloaded stones” project, which aims to conserve natural resources by recycling relevant food waste, i.e. chicken eggshells, to create artificial sustainable ”stones” that can be used for the production, further development and continuity of jewellery and other design products. The technology discovered in earlier phases of research to produce artificial "stones" is being developed by experimenting with selected waste materials that are not suitable for industrial recycling, as well as with secondary raw materials from cogeneration plants. By applying geopolymer concrete technology and opening up a broader list of potential waste materials, the material developed will transmit a sustainability policy and offer an aesthetically attractive, safe-to-use product, as well as demonstrate a wide range of applications and uses of the material.
Achievements
In 2020, eggshell art jewellery was nominated at the XVII International Baltic Jewellery Show Amber Trip 2020 competition for its use of alternative materials. The 2020 jewellery collection "Reloaded Stones" was awarded and nominated for prizes in the Young Designer Prize and Good Design competitions, and received a diploma from the State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania. The artist was also awarded an individual grant from the Lithuanian Council for Culture for further development and presentation of the technology and collection of "Reloaded Stones". The artist's work was selected as a semi-finalist in the MArteLive Europe 2021 international contest and festival. In 2022 and 2023, the researcher participated in the Vilnius Academy of Arts Entrepreneurship Programme InoAkademija, where she designed and developed the Research and Development product and its commercialisation strategy.
Other information about the researcher
www.instagram.com/ieva.laskeviciute/
www.inoakademija.lt/myproject/papuosalu-kolekcija-perkrauti/
Dr. Kęstutis Lekeckas – fashion designer, founder of the fashion house leKeckas, promotes slow fashion and its sustainable development. Dr. Kęstutis Lekeckas contributes to the formation of a new direction in the fashion industry through various design organisations - is a member of the World Design Consortium, Designers.Org, International Association of Designers, Design Classification and ranking system, Designer Rankings, World Design Ranking, and the Popular Designers Index org.; works presented in Lithuania, Italy, China, Iran, Turkey, etc.
His scientific activities are in the following fields: clothing (fashion) product design, design, production and development. Research is related to the use of innovative materials for the production of new design objects, the vision of future production, sustainable fashion and sustainable socio-cultural development, innovation, growth and competitiveness.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Guidelines for sustainable fashion product design.
Aim: to provide an overview of the fashion industry in the context of sustainable product development. To investigate and identify the aspects of clothing design that influence sustainable product design and production, taking into account testing, choice of materials and technologies, and recyclability. Comprehensively assess the potential uses of digital fashion in various stages of fashion product production, conduct research related to the realism and perception of digital products, the virtualization of fashion products, and fashion in the metaverse.
Achievements
First prize and gold medal in the "French Fashion Award“ competition for the sustainable men's collection "Sustainable Twin";
A' Design Award & Competition Gold Prize in the Fashion Professional category for the sustainable men's collection "reCreated";
Second prize in the James Hare fashion full image photo competition for a wedding look;
Winner of the Fashion Design Award in the Step Forward category of the BIG SEE Design Awards for the slow fashion men's collection “Alpaca men";
World Design Consortium, together with World Design Ratings, awarded the title of Expert in Fashion Design.
Other information about the researcher
www.instagram.com/mados.namai.lekeckas/
Photo: Nerijus / Gintarė
Dr. Vytautas Michelkevičius – interdisciplinary media and art researcher, curator, critic and writer. Since 2019, he has been the head of the Vilnius Academy of Arts Doctoral Program in the Arts and the Vilnius Academy of Arts Department of Photography and Media Arts. From 2010 to 2019 he was the artistic director of the Vilnius Academy of Art Nida Art Colony. Since 2014 he has been a member of the International Society for Artistic Research (SAR). Since 2024 member of the editorial board of the International Journal for Artistic Research (JAR). He has published 3 monographs and dozens of scientific articles on photography, media art, artistic research and diagrammatic imagination. He has organised several conferences and symposiums. He has written and edited more than ten publications on photography, art and media. In 2015, he curated the Lithuanian pavilion at the Venice Biennale (Dainius Liškevičius' project "Museum"). In 2022, he curated the Lithuanian artists' programme at Ars Electronica (Linz, Austria). Teaches and supervises bachelor's, master's and doctoral theses. Already 3 PhD students have successfully defended their dissertations.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Epistemology and communication of artistic research in Lithuania and Northern Eastern Europe in the 21st century.
Aim: together with a team of researchers (Aldis Gedutis, Kęstas Kirtiklis, Mika Pekka Elo, Jan Georg Glöckner) to critically evaluate the emergence, flourishing, and epistemic fights of the phenomenon of artistic research, and to write a collective
Achievements
The dissertation "Photography as a medium dispositif in Lithuania in the 1960s-1980s: the institutional dimension" was selected by the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers as one of the three best dissertations in social sciences and humanities in Lithuania in 2010.
The monograph "Atlas of diagrammatic imagination" (together with Lina Michelkevičė) was recognised as the most beautiful book of Lithuania in 2019.
Other information about the researcher
www.vda.lt/en/art-and-research/art-and-research-department/vytautas-michelkevicius
Texts
https://vilnius.academia.edu/VytautasMichelkevicius
Photo: Kęstutis Pleita
Giedrius Pilkis – industrial engineering specialist with research and projects in biocomposites, textiles, wood materials, furniture manufacturing technology, furniture and interior design.
The results of research and experimental activities have been presented at scientific conferences, the materials and product prototypes have been presented at international and national exhibitions.
Extensive work experience: 1990-1994 - Deputy Chief Technologist and 1998-2001 - Technical Director at AB "Kauno baldai"; 1994-1998 - Technologist at UAB "Narbutas ir Ko"; 2001-2005 - General Director, Chairman of the Board at AB "Karigė"; 2005-2008 - Director of Furniture Production, Head of Application of New Technologies at UAB "Girių bizonas"; 2008-2009 - Director of the Department of Paper at AB "Grigiskės"; 2009.10-2013.09 and 2018.09-2019.08.31 - Head of the Department of Industrial Technologies, associate professor at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences; 2013.09-2018.08 Dean of the Faculty of Technology and Landscaping at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences; 2020.01.02-2020.12.15 - Consultant at Vakarų medienos grupė; 2019.10 to the present day - researcher, project manager at Vilnius Academy of Arts.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Research on recycled industrial textiles and natural fiber composites and the development of their production technologies.
Aim: to select and analyse recycled industrial textile and natural fiber composites of different compositions and to improve them in order to develop materials characterised by resistance to atmospheric effects and unique properties in reflecting UV, IR rays, as well as natural and artificial light. Technology development experiments include mechanical, thermochemical and 3D moulding processes. Unique, closed-life-cycle compost materials are being developed for the creation of industrial design objects.
Achievements
Profesijos riterio apdovanojimas (eng. Knight of the Profession Award) (Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists);
Honorary Letter from the Prime Minister
Other information about the researcher
Habil. dr. Jerzy Lucjan Smardzewski is a professor at the Poznan University of Life Sciences. Since 2008 he has been the Head of the Department of Furniture Design at the Faculty of Wood Technology (Dean of the Faculty 2002-2005). Since 2008 - expert of the Polish Ministry of Regional Development, since 2007 - external expert of the forecasting project "Poland 2020", CEO of the furniture company "WIZA" in 2007-2008, production manager of the furniture company "BALMA S.A." in 1997-2001, member of the Board of the furniture company "Forte S.A.".
Research interests - furniture construction, structural joints, wood composites, functional materials and their application in the furniture industry. Active collaboration with researchers in physics, acoustics, materials science, wood and furniture construction.
Since 2019, he has been included annually in the World's Top 2% Scientists list, a list of the top 2% of scientists in the world whose publications are most frequently cited by other authors.
Habil. dr. Jerzy Lucjan Smardzewski has published more than 390 publications, 7 books, chapters in 4 textbooks and 24 patents, many of which have been implemented in the industry.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Research on the properties of composite materials for interior object design and their application in 3D modelling.
Aim: Investigation of different recyclable composite materials and feasibility study for furniture production: 3D mould design, mechanical and performance properties, recyclability and environmental requirements. The integration of biofibers and the study of changes in the properties of new composites, 3D modelling, and the optimization of furniture production.
Achievements
19 Rector’s awards from the Poznan University of Life Sciences.
2015 scholarship from Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń.
2012 and 2004 MTP Poznań Expo Gold Medals for the development of the computer program “Mebel-CAD”.
2011 MTP Poznań Expo Gold Medal for cooperation.
2000 Prime Minister's Award.
1999 Silver Cross of Merit.
1996 Award of the Minister of National Education.
Other information about the researcher
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9101-0981
www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=56126872000
https://scholar.google.pl/citations?user=ab_lc8sAAAAJ&hl=pl
https://wtd.up.poznan.pl/pl/faculty/prof-dr-hab-in-jerzy-smardzewski
www.linkedin.com/in/jerzy-smardzewski-b40aa3226/?originalSubdomain=pl
Indrė Spitrytė-Mikuckė – clothing and accessories designer, textile artist and materials researcher. Graduated with a Bachelor of Design degree from Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2017 and a Master of Arts degree in 2022. During her Master's studies, she studied at the Estonian Academy of Arts as an exchange student. In 2024, Indrė was granted the status of artist by order of the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania.
Areas of scientific/artistic interest. From 2021 onwards, she experiments with biomaterials, exploring the possibilities of their adaptation in fashion, textiles and artworks. The results of the experiments are presented at conferences and exhibitions in Lithuania and abroad.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: On the basis of bacterial cellulose and biological waste created biomaterial applicability in fashion industry.
Aim: Given the enormous amount of waste in the textile and fashion industry, there is a need for the design and development of new biodegradable materials in clothing products. The aim of the research is to investigate the potential and future perspectives for the application of bacterial cellulose and bio-waste-based biomaterials in the fashion industry. Through the lens of sustainability and new materiality, with a focus on the search for new surfaces, global issues such as natural resource depletion, pollution, climate change, and water consumption are examined. In order to transform harmful processes into sustainable ones, it turns to the natural environment, looking for answers in nature, pushing the boundaries of biomaterial production and eco-conscious creativity.
Achievements
In the competition "The Best Master's Theses" organised by the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers, the Master's Thesis "Sustainable Textiles and New Materiality" (Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Odeta Žukauskienė) has been selected as the best Master's Thesis of the 2022 Master's Degree in Arts.
Other information about the researcher
https://newmateriality.myportfolio.com/
www.instagram.com/new_materiality/
www.linkedin.com/in/indrė-spitrytė-mikuckė
Photo: Martynas Plepys
Dr. Jūratė Tutlytė – architectural historian, Doctor of Humanities, and Associate Professor. Her research interests include the development and transformations of Soviet-era and contemporary architecture and design, complex urban development and territorial processes, and creative urbanism strategies and tactics in territories of change.
More than 20 years of academic and research experience. Researcher of international and national research projects [Horizon 2020 project “T-Factor“, 2020-2024; “Innocult“, H2020, 2017-2018; Interreg IV C “Creative Growth“, 2009; etc.]; co-author of academic monographs [Communicating culture: institutions, strategies, audiences, 2015; Architecture in Soviet Lithuania, 2012]; expert ["Horizon 2020" ENSURF, the Research Council of Lithuania, council of Lithuanian National Culture and Art Prize, , Lithuanian Council for Culture].
Commissioner of the Lithuanian Pavilion at the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale. Kaunas representative in the UNESCO Design Cities Network [2018-21]; author and curator of the Design programme curator at Kaunas 2022 [2018-21]; aurator of the Designregio Kortrijk Design Innovation Programme 5x5 [2021-22]; member of the National Art and Culture Awards Commission [2017-22]; Associate staff at University of Central Lancashire, UCLAN [GB] [2015-18].
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Wood in Contemporary Lithuanian Architecture and Design: preconditions of the wooden revolution, new aesthetics and perspectives of sustainability.
Aim: The study aims to reveal the political, technological, socio-cultural and climate change preconditions for the breakthrough of wooden architecture, as well as the best practices of wooden architecture of the last decades and their context in the world and Europe.
With Lithuania joining other countries in deciding to embark on a breakthrough in wooden construction in 2023, aiming for at least 50% of public buildings to be constructed with timber (organic) building materials, the complex issue of the compatibility of different approaches and positions becomes important.
Achievements
Medal for the 100th anniversary of the University of Lithuania, acknowledgement of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Lithuania in the competition "Smart City II", Vytautas Magnus University Prize for the most significant achievements in science, diploma for Innovative Activities; acknowledgements of Mykolas Romeris University, Kaunas City Municipality, Kaunas 2022, Structum Magazine, and the Lithuanian Society of Young Researchers.
Photo: Martynas Plepys
Dr. Inga Valentinienė – interior and furniture designer, Doctor of Arts, Associate Professor. Her research interests include: the application of local fibres (flax, nettle, and hemp (lt. linų, dilgėlių ir kanapių - LDK) fibres) and recycled textiles in eco-furniture design. In 2015, she patented the invention "Fibreboards from fibrous plants and the method of their production", patent No. LT6163. According to Dr. Inga Valentinienė, a designer educates society through his/her example, i.e. the object he/she has created educates the society, therefore it is important that the examples are correct. When creating, the designer must not only think about the final appearance of the design object, but also have a good understanding of construction materials, production technologies and recycling issues.
More than 20 years of academic and research experience. 12 years as head of the "Department of Industrial Technologies and Design” and the "Academy of Arts" (at “Pelėdų kalnas”) at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences. More than 20 scientific presentations in Lithuania and abroad. Produced a publication, methodological tools, a monograph, more than 30 authored and co-authored publications and 70 scientific abstracts. Personal works participated in more than 10 exhibitions, also, she curated more than 30 exhibitions. Projects manager of 17 international and national research projects, researcher, postdoctoral trainee, coordinator, etc.
Internships on the development and production of organic products have been carried out not only in Lithuanian industrial companies, but also in the following foreign organisations - Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW (Switzerland), Amorim (Portugal), Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden gemeinnützige GmbH (Germany), Hempwood (USA), BASF (Germany), Zelfo Technology GmbH (Germany), Homag (Germany), Siempelkamp Maschinen und Anlagenbau GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), Sustainability Institute / Lynendoch Ecovillage / Growing Papper / and Hemporium (PAR), SCM Group (Italy), Pfleiderer Grajewo S.A. (Poland), Latvijas Finieris (Latvia), Институт химии высокомолекулярных соединений Национальной академии наук Украины (Ukraine), Meža un koksnes produktu pētniecības un attīstības institūts (Latvia), and others.
At the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre, she leads research teams conducting scientific/artistic research in the fields of "Smart textile materials and fashion design," "Innovative (bio)composite materials and interior design," "Urbanism and modern architecture."
Achievements
In 2022 - acknowledgement from the Mayor of Kaunas. “2022 Kaunas - European Capital of Culture 2022" acknowledgement. In 2023 - acknowledgement from the Director of Kaunas University of Applied Sciences. In 2022 - acknowledgement of Kaunas City Museum. 3 Acknowledgements of the association "Design Forum" until 2019. “Koja kojon su Alma Mater” 2016 award; 2016 Kaunas University of Applied Sciences acknowledgement letter; 2015 acknowledgement Letter from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania; 2014 acknowledgement Letter from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania; 2013 "The Best Teacher of the Year" award; 2004 Acknowledgement Letter from Litexpo Director Aloyzas Tarvydas.
Other information about the researcher
Since 2015 she is a member/chairperson of the Committee LST TK 9 "Baldai" of the Lithuanian Standards Board; member of LST TK 17 "Mediena".
Member of the New European Bauhaus Movement.
Gediminas Viliūnas – Doctoral student of Architecture at Vilnius Academy of Arts and Kaunas University of Technology. From 2023 - Master's student of Industrial Design Studies at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH). Alumni of Kaunas University of Technology, Architecture integrated studies. Currently, he is researching the elements of emotional influence, conducting analysis of human feelings and combining it with creative activity - looking for answers to questions through artistic forms of expression, using it as a universal tool to reach broader audiences, not always focused on a specific science. One of the long term ambitions is to adapt the research to the field of costume design.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Biomimetic (biomimicry) solutions to enhance the coherence, aesthetic appeal and inclusiveness of architectural objects and urban structures. Research on biophilic architecture and urbanism.
Aim: based on the analysis of long-established and successfully functioning natural structures, formulate and test biomimicry principles in simulation models to address sustainability, visual appeal, and inclusiveness issues in urban structures and architectural objects.
Achievements
Internship in architectural studios "Kančo studija", "AuriGawor";
2022 scholarship of the Presidents of the Republic of Lithuania Antanas Smetona;
Giedrius Kuprevičius scholarship;
Kaunas University of Technology Talent scholarship;
Smart City VI 2020. Winner of the award for the "Most Expressive Architectural Ambition";
Smart City VIII 2022. Third place. "Project for the improvement of a part of Raseiniai city"
Participated in "Graduate Show 2023 in collaboration with Gucci".
Other information about the researcher
www.instagram.com/zoledubysoje/
www.facebook.com/gediminas.viliunas/
Dr. Kęstutis Zaleckis – architect, engineer, Doctor of Humanities/Art History, professor, his research interests include: urban landscape modelling using space syntax, fractal analysis, and other complex methods, urbanism history, defensive structure architecture.
The results of the research have been published in fifty peer-reviewed journal articles, two monographs, an educational book, a research study and an article on space syntax.
Member of the Executive Committees and Working Groups of four COST Actions;
Leader or participant in Kaunas University of Technology international research projects;
Leader or principal researcher of international research projects;
Co-author of 5 master plans, etc.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Biomimetic (biomimicry) solutions to enhance the coherence, aesthetic appeal and inclusiveness of architectural objects and urban structures.
Aim: based on the analysis of long-established and successfully functioning natural structures, formulate and test biomimicry principles in simulation models to address sustainability, visual appeal, and inclusiveness issues in urban structures and architectural objects.
Applied theory of architectural patterns (Ch. Alexander) and the idea of their mathematical description (Nikos A. Salingaros). The main tool for analysis and modelling is the mathematical theory of graphs, which is in principle suitable for describing any complex system, from the human brain to the network of urban spaces or the facade of a building. Statistical analysis methods and eye tracking equipment are used to check the effectiveness of the models of the structures analysed.
Achievements
New European Bauhaus Prize in the EEA-Norway funded project "Genius loci: urbanisation and civic community".
More about the project: https://youtu.be/p2g2UKrgIRc
https://sanciubendruomene.lt/en/genius-loci/
Other information about the researcher
www.researchgate.net/profile/Kestutis-Zaleckis
https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=lt&authuser=1&user=QVyfnYIAAAAJ
Veronika Žvirblė is a designer, holds a Master’s degree in Arts, and is a PhD candidate at the Institute of Sociology of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences. Her work lies at the intersection of design, art, and social research, exploring the interactions between space, materiality, and humans. She has worked in the fields of design, visual communication, interior design, and product design for more than 20 years and has been teaching in higher education since 2017. She publishes and presents research on design, art, education, and environmental issues and is a co-author of the educational publication Interior Design: Theory and Practice. She is also actively engaged in curatorial practice, organizing exhibitions, creative workshops, and symposiums in Lithuania and across Europe.
In her research, V. Žvirblė focuses primarily on the application of biomaterials—mycelium, bioplastics, natural fibres, and bio-based composites—in design, drawing on the principles of new materialism and sustainability. Within this perspective, matter is understood as an active participant in the creative process, examining how the role of the designer changes when an object is not only manufactured but also grown, and how such objects can foster ecological sensitivity in society. She combines material practices of design and art with perspectives from the sociology of art, new materialism, and bioethics.
Research carried out at the Vilnius Academy of Arts Creative Interdisciplinary New European Bauhaus – NEB Research Centre
Topic: Interaction Between Mycelium and Sound: Investigating a More-than-Human Co-Creative Dialogue Between Humans and Living Matter
Aim: In this research, sound functions as an artistic language whose effects materialize through changes in mycelium (stellate colonies), enabling the analysis of more-than-human relationships through visual rather than acoustic responses, in contrast to other studies that seek to extract sound-based responses from fungi or mycelial networks. In this sense, the project investigates sound as a material creative tool and a non-invasive factor for shaping biomaterials within living systems. The research expands our understanding of the sensitivity of living systems to sonic environments and establishes a foundation for co-creation between human and more-than-human agents. It opens new interdisciplinary interactions between art, science, and technology while encouraging a rethinking of human relationships with more-than-human forms of life. In addition, the project explores the possibilities of controlling biomaterial growth through sustainable and non-invasive methods.
Achievements:
Year 2016 (during Interior Design studies): 1st place Award in the students‘ hotel room interior design. Competition organized by the Lithuanian Association of Architects (PAA).
Year 2024: – The competition entry for the international architecture competition “The Last Nuclear Bomb Memorial” (Buildner) was shortlisted, ranking among the top 40 highest-rated projects. Co-author: Jaroslav Daveiko.
Year 2021: The team “VTDK Horizontas” consisting of lecturers and students and assembled by V. Žvirblė, won one of four prize-winning positions at the international hackathon “Portathon21” in the category “Interior Design of a Lithuanian Naval Vessel“ https://www.atviraklaipeda.lt/2021/08/09/hakatono-portathon-2021-dalyviai-kurs-ir-karo-laivui-reikalinga-sprendima/
