PhD student Designing Branded Spaces through Visual, Sonic and Spatial Narratives

Background
With PXL-MAD School of Arts, and more specifically MAD-Research, we want to set the pace in the field of artistic research. The intellectual and artistic core of MAD-Research is the exploration of the complex relationship between media, art and society. Its research projects mainly focus on art in public space, on the interdisciplinary approach to artefacts, and on different media that blur the boundaries between what is traditionally understood as text or image. The research is conducted and coordinated by four research groups, which are developing their activities in collaboration with the Faculty of Architecture and Arts at UHasselt: ART EDUCATION, VISUAL VISIONARIES, MANUFrACTURE and READSEARCH.
 
More information: www.uhasselt.be/mad

Job content
This artistic doctoral research project starts from the question of how graphic design functions as a spatial, atmospheric, and immersive medium within branded environments. Rather than approaching graphic design as purely two-dimensional communication, this project investigates how design generates meaning and identity through sensory, narrative, and participatory experiences.
The project focuses on the role of graphic design within immersive brand experiences, museum environments, festivals, and hybrid installations. Through visual, auditory, and tactile narratives, it investigates how typography, sound, scent, light, projection, and scenography contribute to brand identity and audience experience.
Research question (provisional and open to refinement):
How does graphic design generate meaningful experiences within branded spaces through multisensory and spatial narratives, and how can these contribute to a renewed artistic and communicative practice?
Methodology (suggestive and flexible):

PhD student.
PhD position for 2 x 2 years with interim evaluation.

Selection procedure
You can only apply online up to and including 18 August 2025.
The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
The interviews take place in the week of 25/08/2025

Further information
Prof. dr. Bert WILLEMS, [email protected]
De heer Dirk REYNDERS, , [email protected]

For questions about the selection procedure, please email [email protected].