CONVERGENCE

June 27th, 2019 - 13:30-17:30

RCAST - Research Center for Advanced Sciences and Technologies

Eneos Hall, Komaba II Campus - The University of Tokyo

7th RCAST CROSS-DISCIPLINARY WORKSHOP

CONVERGENCE

June 27th, 2019 - 13:30-17:30

RCAST - Research Center for Advanced Sciences and Technologies

Komaba II Campus - The University of Tokyo

ENEOS Hall (Building 3s, 1F)

Chairs

Stefania Bandini

University of Milano-Bicocca, RCAST The University of Tokyo & JSPS

Setsu Ito

Studio Ito Design, RCAST The University of Tokyo

Katsuhiro Nishinari

RCAST The University of Tokyo

CONVERGENCE is an approach to knowledge integration that cuts across disciplinary boundaries. It integrates knowledge, tools and ways of thinking; merges diverse areas of knowledge and expertise in a network of partnerships; stimulates innovation from basic discovery to translational application [*].

CONVERGENCE is a mental and practical attitude towards the integration of knowledge and experiences that drastically transcends the boundary of disciplines; it allows creativity to explore unexpected dimensions of innovation through unpredictable collaborative configurations. The coming together of results and approaches from originally distinct fields allows fundamental contributions to provide creative solutions to most difficult problems facing our life and society.

CONVERGENCE is a key word in many scientific programs and projects as a global imperative and a mandatory requirement in the development of future scenarios of the human existence in a more and more technology-driven world. It is the platform where cross-disciplinary efforts meet, expanding the range of involved knowledge from science to society through the contribution of a deeper involvement of disciplines studying humanity, allowing to shape our world in a near future.

The recent increasing of the impact of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) in all the aspects of research and everyday life is the pervading trend of our present, shaping new creative scenarios in the development of new ways to live. For instance, the, until now, primary role of symbolic/visual interaction with computer-based information systems, thanks to the development of new sensors technology, is becoming not more pivotal, allowing other human sensory system and the related emotions (sound, odor, touch, taste, feeling, affection, and so on) to be studied and engaged in the creation of new forms of interaction with the nature and artifacts. Within this framework, the knowledge about senses and emotions requires steps towards new cross-disciplinary adventures.

Starting a dialogue with disciplines whose realm is centered on sensitivity and emotion (arts, design, architecture) is urgent, in order to find together new tentative paths reaching for harmonic and sustainable creation of innovative exploration of future scenarios of living, despite of distopic feelings emerging from the pervasive role of ICT. Moreover, to discuss about these issues in a research and educational environment like RCAST could address towards new forms of CONVERGENCE in shaping the creation of a new generation of future scientists and decision makers aware of the complexity of the cross-disciplinary adventure, and the need to understand different languages coming from different corners of knowledge.

This edition of the RCAST Cross-disciplinary Workshop focuses on cases and experiences of CONVERGENCE coming from the world of Designers, whose role is becoming crucial in bridging new scientific/technological knowledge towards the creation of new artifacts in respect with the needs and feeling of the people. The official language of the event is English.