Harm Heye Coordes

Harm Heye Coordes is an Artistic Research Fellow affiliated with the Faculty of Arts at the University of Groningen and the Department of Art and Design at the University of the Arts Bremen. His work bridges fashion design, immersive performance art, and sustainability research through the CHURCH OF THE HAND project.

• Education:
  • 2007-2013: Integrated Design Studies (Diploma), University of the Arts Bremen
  • 2020-present: Artistic PhD candidate, University of Groningen and University of the Arts Bremen

Harm investigates sustainable consumption models through fashion performances that combine phenomenology, discourse analysis, and social engagement. His CHURCH OF THE HAND framework explores how immersive sensory experiences can transform consumer behavior into alternative hedonism (Soper 2019) by emphasizing emotional engagement over economic metrics.

Recent publications and exhibitions focus on multisensory fashion installations (sound, taste, haptics) as tools for ecological awareness. His work integrates theories of rituals, communitas, and fashion semiotics to create low-threshold spaces for critical reflection on overproduction and resource consumption.

• Scientific Awards (selection):
  • Hochschulpreis (1st place) for 'French Fried Love Affair' (2013)
  • Working scholarship 'Künstlerwohnung Berlin' (2015)
  • Kulturprojekte Berlin Grant for virtual fashion experiences (2020)
  • Fonds für Forschungs- und künstlerische Entwicklungsvorhaben (2021)

As a part-time Lecturer in Conceptual Fashion Design at Berlin University of Applied Sciences, he has taught immersive design practices since 2015. Current projects include 'Gegen den Strom' at the University of the Arts Bremen, exploring degrowth strategies through fashion interventions.