From 5 to 12 July 2026, the fourth edition of UA.LABDESIGN — Confluências will take place in Tondela. This territory-based design residency/laboratory is promoted by the University of Aveiro in close partnership with the Municipality of Tondela.

The initiative brings together students, researchers, local communities, master practitioners, associations, companies, and regional partners, fostering collaboration between education, research, and local development. The programme includes workshops in Múceres/Castelões and Ribeira/Campo de Besteiros, engaging with the knowledge, resources, and cultural dynamics of these communities.

This year’s edition is anchored in the Department of Communication and Art (DigiMedia and ID+), and also includes a Rural Event developed as part of the CULTURALITY, an Horizon Europe project.

Joaquim Santos, a DigiMedia researcher, coordinates the Digital Workshop at Casa de Cima, Múceres. Focused on digital mediation, interaction design, audiovisual documentation, and tangible media, the workshop will explore how technologies such as sensors, sound, image, video, and QR codes can support new ways of engaging with the processes, artifacts, and stories developed throughout the residency.

Applications open until 15 June 2026 here.