For Prof Digel the further development of design foundations and the involvement in transdisciplinary projects brought forth practical experiments within the relations of man, object, space and time.
She heads the Studio "Spatial relations" in the Graduate Program "Heterotopia/Design".
The integration of art as a model for experimental research in the design process is essential to the projects. However the Studio is not about turning designers into artists or vice versa. Students benefit from experience based learning through artistic methods and processes to expand their sensitivity. Also it is a link between design and the Faculties of Performing Arts at Folkwang University of the Arts.

The interaction between actor, spectator, object, space or scenery and the exploration of physical and perceptible phenomena are the foundation for artistic and research development in this studio. Various artistic forms of expression are being explored using analog and digital technologies. The projects deal within the contexts of exhibition- and stage design. Otherwise, the studio also offers projects on spatial installations in urban, museum- or other contexts of social relevance. These contexts are backgrounds for artistic intervention and curative topics.

(Research) Objectives Which forms of (artistic) expression can be be generated by exploring the interaction between man, object and space? What are the existing methods and can we obtain novel spaces by focussing on interaction and participation?
Depending on the students individual aims, their explorations can be driven by either dramaturgy, technology, psychology, cultural history or other influencing factors.

Developments of new methods of experimentation, presentation, display, communication and exploration of man/object/space relations.