Rethinking Culture in Virtual Space: Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg Participates in Major EU Project LIL-ECHOES
Living Cultural Labs: Empowering Communities through Intercultural Encounters in Virtual Worlds
How are virtual worlds changing the way we live together culturally? Led by Newcastle University, the EU-funded research project LIL-ECHOES (Living Cultural Labs: Empowering Communities through Intercultural Encounters in Virtual Worlds) has been launched. Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg (THA) is represented in the project as the lead German university partner and plays a key role in the participatory design of digital cultural experiences.
Building Digital Bridges Instead of Reinforcing Filter Bubbles
Extended realities (XR) and AI-powered communication are increasingly becoming part of everyday life. However, this also increases the risk of digital isolation and social polarization. This is where LIL-ECHOES comes in: Through a network of real-world laboratories—known as Living Cultural Labs (LiLs)—located in public cultural spaces such as libraries and museums in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Greece, researchers are exploring new ways to foster inclusive coexistence.
In these labs, diverse population groups—such as young people, seniors, and people with a migration background—come together to actively help shape immersive technologies, share their own stories, and learn from one another.
As the lead researcher for Work Package 5 (Community Co-design of Digital Content for Cultural XR Encounters), Prof. Dr. Alice Gruber and her team at THA are responsible for designing and testing participatory creation processes.
THA works closely with partners such as the Munich City Library and XR HUB Bavaria to make the research findings directly applicable in practice and accessible to the general public.
A Sustainable Boost for the Cultural and Creative Industries
The goal of this four-year project is to provide not only scientific findings but also freely accessible software tools, ethical design principles, and policy recommendations. The aim is to ensure that the digitization of cultural life sustainably strengthens social cohesion and European solidarity.
About the LIL-ECHOES Project
The LIL-ECHOES project is funded by the EU’s Horizon Europe Framework Program for Research and Innovation. The interdisciplinary consortium comprises 17 partner organizations from eight European countries, including universities, museums, libraries, AI and XR industry associations, and civil society organizations.