Libre Graphics Research Unit

The Libre Graphics Research Unit is a traveling lab where new ideas for creative tools are developed. Its diverse activities range from the practical to the theoretical via writing, research meetings, experimental prototyping, conferences and workshops. The Research Unit is an initiative of four European media-labs actively engaged in Free/Libre and Open Source Software and Free Culture. This cross-disciplinary project involves artists, designers and programmers and is developed in dialogue with the Libre Graphics community.

What future practices can we imagine, and which tools can make them happen?

The reader is an evolving publication that functions as a critical tool for defining, developing and supporting the work at the Research Unit. Over the course of two years it will develop into a teaching tool that makes LGRU-research accessible to design students and young professionals. This reader will provide them with accessible theory so that they can put the radical changes that are taking place in their profession, into perspective.

The editorial team consists of an interdisciplinary and international group of designers, theoreticians and developers who will use existing and commissioned resources to study the relation between design practice and tools, to question how developments in digital media have an impact on the design discipline and who will look into the debate on Free, Libre and Open Source Software, open content and open standards.