From 13 to 24 July 2026, Riga Technical University welcomed students, lecturers, and researchers from across Europe for the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) “EpiCo Village: Exploring Knowledge Across Art, Science and Technology.”
Over two intensive weeks, participants explored how knowledge is created, interpreted, and communicated in the digital age. Bringing together perspectives from art, science, technology, and urban studies, the programme encouraged participants to examine the complex relationships between people, places, technologies, and the ways we understand the world around us.
The summer school combined lectures, workshops, field research, and collaborative project work. Participants investigated how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital mapping, photogrammetry, and data visualisation are transforming our understanding of urban environments and influencing the ways knowledge is produced and shared.
A key element of the programme was interdisciplinary collaboration. Working in international teams, students exchanged ideas, explored different approaches to problem-solving, and developed projects addressing contemporary challenges related to cities, public spaces, and digital technologies. Through field observations and practical activities, participants gained hands-on experience with a range of research and documentation methods while strengthening their analytical and creative skills.
The programme also encouraged critical reflection on the ethical dimensions of technology. Discussions focused on topics such as responsible innovation, the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence, knowledge diversity, and the role of technology in shaping everyday life. By combining theoretical perspectives with practical experimentation, participants were able to explore how digital tools can be used thoughtfully and responsibly in research, education, and society.
The summer school concluded with project presentations showcasing the outcomes of the participants’ collaborative work. The projects reflected a wide variety of themes, including urban storytelling, digital documentation, spatial analysis, and innovative applications of artificial intelligence in addressing societal and environmental challenges.
Beyond the academic programme, EpiCo Village provided a valuable opportunity for intercultural exchange and networking. Participants built new professional connections, shared experiences from their respective countries and disciplines, and contributed to a vibrant international learning community.
As the project approaches its conclusion, the summer school marked an important milestone in the final phase of the EpiCo initiative. On 9 September 2026, the project’s final public dissemination event, the Multiplier Event, commenced at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania. During the event, project partners will present the project’s key achievements, developed methodologies, and lessons learned to a wider academic and professional audience, highlighting the impact and sustainability of the project’s results.
Through its innovative and interdisciplinary approach, EpiCo Village demonstrated the value of bringing together diverse fields of knowledge to address contemporary challenges and explore new possibilities for learning, research, and collaboration in the digital age.