Verhalen In-en Ertussen: Het Realiseren van Hybride, Ruimtelijke Narratieve Strategieën
This research explores how hybrid spatial storytelling, i.e. narratives that unfold across
both physical public spaces and virtual environments, can engage young audiences with
complex societal issues. While young people already navigate virtual worlds like
Fortnite, AR installations, or VRChat as social and creative arenas, artistic storytelling
practices in this space remain fragmented and underexplored. Following a Research through-Design methodology, the project will develop, test, and evaluate new narrative
strategies that combine spatial design, media technology, and civic engagement. Three
hybrid spatial stories will be created to probe how physical context, digital
augmentation, and audience interaction shape narrative experiences. The stories will be
tested in public settings using observations, interviews, and interaction logging to
capture real-world responses. Co-creation workshops with youth will further inform
design choices and narrative framing. The project will result in a design vocabulary for
hybrid spatial storytelling and media artistic works that are publicly presented and
academically disseminated. By activating public and virtual space as a narrative
medium, this PhD aims to open new possibilities for hybrid spatial storytelling
Valery De Smedt