Sorrentino, Miriam ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1198-4562, Wilkins, Susan and Grimer, Martin (2026) Boundary objects and creative play in academic/industry Third Spaces. In: Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching Conference 2026: "Interdisciplinary Pathways: Engaging Learners and Creating Opportunities", 16th April, 2026, Edinburgh Futures Institute, University of Edinburgh.

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Abstract

This talk addresses the conference theme of Collaboration to Support Interdisciplinary Opportunities. As a collaborative trio of module leaders, we have been able to pilot three different experimental transdisciplinary projects at the borders of Higher Education and the creative industries. This work evolved from a small-scale incubator brief into three industry-facing modules. We focus on creating non-hierarchical networks where everyone teaches and learns, dismantling power structures and challenging expertise (Cook-Sather, Bahti and Ntem, 2019; Hooks, 1994; Freire, 2017; Vygotsky, 1978). We do this by positioning ourselves as transdisciplinary bridges, and by utilising the brief as a Boundary Object (Star and Griesemer, 1989). Susan invites multi-disciplinary industry specialists to guest-teach, and recent alumni to help assess. She adds to, and challenges, the body of knowledge. Martin delves a bit deeper into the possibilities of network learning by having industry partners mentor students directly. He negotiates a middle ground where industry collaborators co-write the project. Mim creates a rhizomatic assemblage of industry specialists, current students, student mentors, and alumni. She acts as a Boundary Broker .It is the friction between industry practices and student knowledge that triggers the expansive learning needed for new understandings (Bhabha, 2003; Engeström, 2014). We create Third Spaces where diverse participants form dynamic, challenging, and caring learning networks in which this experimentation can happen. We create Boundary Objects, ambiguous umbrella briefs plastic enough to satisfy the requirements of these intersecting worlds. By detailing how we manage these things, the talk provides guidance for implementing collaboration in other contexts.

Item Type:	Conference or Conference Paper (Paper)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	boundary objects, Third Spaces, interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, creativity, employability
Subjects:	L Education > L Education (General) N Fine Arts > N Visual arts (General) For photography, see TR N Fine Arts > NC Drawing Design Illustration
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Design and Creative Industries
Last Modified:	18 May 2026 10:46
URI:	https://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/53480

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