The TRACE project lands at the University of Padua

Following the successful workshop held at the University of Granada, the TRACE project (Territorial Representation of Affective and Cultural Experiences) arrives in Padua. On 19 March, Thursday, the Aula Innovativa (Engineering Hub) will host an international participatory event at 16:30 CET, where students are invited to redefine and map their relationship with the city of Padua .

The initiative, developed within the framework of the Arqus student co-designed projects, is a collaborative effort between the University of Padua and the University of Granada. The project aims to move beyond traditional geography by focusing on the “affective and cultural” layers of urban spaces—the emotions, memories, and daily routes that make a city a home for its student community.

The session will be led by PhD researchers involved in the cross-border collaboration, fostering an environment of intercultural dialogue and academic innovation. Participants are kindly requested to bring their own laptop and a spirit of curiosity.

This event is a unique opportunity to connect with peers, contribute to a meaningful research project, and gain insight into the international Arqus cooperation.

A Journey Through the City

A key highlight of the Padua event will be an “Emotional Walk” through the city streets. This guided experience allows participants to live the “emotional map” in real-time, connecting personal feelings and cultural insights directly to the urban landscape.

Note: In the event of inclement weather, the walk will be replaced by an engaging interactive mapping activity held indoors, ensuring that the collaborative spirit of the project remains unchanged.

A Co-Design Experience

The workshop is designed as a dynamic, hands-on session. Participants will:

• Analyze how local and international students navigate and perceive Padua differently.
• Reflect on the specific places and moments that define the contemporary student experience.
• Co-create a collective “TRACE” of the city using interactive methodologies