Creative methods at the intersections of science and art

This interdisciplinary unit, based at Monash Prato Centre in Italy, is an immersive journey into how art and science provide complementary modes of creative thinking that have contributed to the development of science, culture and society. You will learn about the historical interactions between art, design, science, technology in a transdisciplinary way.

In this unit, you will harness complementary scientific and creative problem solving and communication tools that can be applied in your future career to enhance your capacity as an innovator. You will undergo a shift in perspective, and deepen your understanding of how science intersects with art and design to respond to socio-economic and political issues of our age by working on a self-selected project in a team.  

We will start by exploring the nexus of scientific and creative thinking through the work and discoveries of Galileo Galilei in the early 17th century, examining how these discoveries were influenced by the cultural environment nurtured by the Medici and Lorraine families, the founders and rulers of Tuscany, during the Renaissance. We will then explore how the development of scientific instrumentation through the 18th and 19th century in astronomy, chemistry and medicine impacted cultural developments, and the role of art and design therein. You will explore multiple science and art museums and engage with how science can be communicated to the public to bring key scientific endeavours to life.

This unit will be of interest to students from science and beyond (i.e., art, design and architecture, business, engineering, etc.). The activities will be delivered through visits to museums, seminar discussions and studio activities, and self-chosen research-driven activities. The unit aims to develop your ability to examine problems and use your creativity to come up with imaginative, innovative and speculative solutions using complementary methods, tools and thinking processes from arts and science.