Reconnect: A mind–body experience in Evora

The author crafted immersive experiences specifically designed to guide and inspire students, academics and design professionals. These experiences challenged participants to confront real-world problems and actively experiment with potential solutions. In May 2023, ELIA recognized the author’s contributions by inviting her to present at their Academy event in Évora. During the presentation, the author shared insights from her ongoing research and facilitated an interactive workshop that engaged all participants. The author explored the concept of situatedness, emphasizing the importance of feeling connected to the environment, the people around us and our own bodies. This exploration highlighted the need for educational practices that prioritize a bottom-up approach, where the body is positioned as a foundational element, not because of its lesser significance but simply due to its physical location beneath the brain.