Richard Koeck

Applications are invited for a fully funded UK PhD at the University of Liverpool within the MusicFutures programme. The project is titled Reimagining Music Venues: Spatial, Digital & Experiential Innovation in Live Music and sits in the Department of Architecture , with strong interdisciplinary links to Music and Computer Science . This studentship is aimed at a highly motivated candidate interested in an academic or practice-based career in creative technologies , live music , spatial design , immersive environments , AI , and real-time systems . The research explores how emerging tools can reshape music venues and performance spaces, including adaptive hybrid physical-digital environments, responsive digital environments, digital twins, interactive audience experiences, and sustainable and inclusive venue models. Two broad thematic pathways are highlighted: (1) spatial, digital, and experiential innovation in live music venues; and (2) technology and product development for future live music venues. The project welcomes proposals that move from concept to prototype and real-world testing, including hardware, software, integrated systems, and creative practice-led approaches. The studentship is formally based in CAVA | Centre for Architecture and the Visual Arts and connected to the School of Music’s Institute of Popular Music . Eligibility notes: applicants should normally hold an MA or equivalent , preferably with distinction, in a creative industry field such as Architecture, Music, Communication Studies, or a cognate field including Computer Science. The successful candidate will work with the MusicFutures team and delivery partners, contribute to reports and public-facing materials, and ensure ethical approvals, risk assessments, and safeguarding requirements are in place. The PhD can be completed as a standard thesis or as a research-by-design thesis. Funding: fully funded studentship; no stipend amount is stated in the provided text. Deadline: 10 July 2026. How to apply: submit an online application to the Architecture PhD/MPhil programme at the University of Liverpool and indicate that you are applying for the named MusicFutures studentship.

Fully funded PhD opportunity in Reimagining Music Venues: Spatial, Digital & Experiential Innovation in Live Music at the University of Liverpool , based in the School of Architecture and linked with CAVA | Centre for Architecture and the Visual Arts and the Institute of Popular Music . This interdisciplinary studentship sits at the intersection of architecture , music , creative technologies , and digital culture . The project explores how AI, real-time systems, responsive digital environments, spatial audio, immersive media, and hybrid physical-digital experiences can reshape live music venues and performance spaces. It is especially relevant for applicants interested in venue design, experiential innovation, audience interaction, accessibility, sustainability, and the future of live music ecosystems. The call highlights two main thematic pathways: (1) spatial, digital & experiential innovation in live music , including adaptive and inclusive venue models, immersive environments, and architectural interventions; and (2) technology and product development for future live music venues , including hardware, software, digital twins, venue analytics, AI-driven systems, and deployable real-world solutions. The studentship welcomes proposals that connect music with adjacent creative industries such as film, gaming, and XR. Funding: full financial support is provided. The post also notes an expected commitment of research assistance work across MusicFutures workstreams and engagement with the delivery team at the LEX offices. No stipend amount is stated in the post. Eligibility: applicants should normally hold an MA or equivalent , preferably with distinction, in a creative industry field such as Architecture, Music, Communication Studies, or a cognate field including Computer Science. The project is suitable for candidates with creative practice and digital production skills, experiential/live innovation interests, software/hardware development experience, or a focus on accessibility and sustainability in venue design. Deadline: 10 July 2026. How to apply: submit an online application to the PhD programme in Architecture at the University of Liverpool. In the funding section, indicate that you are applying for the “Reimagining Music Venues: Spatial, Digital & Experiential Innovation in Live Music” studentship. The call also instructs applicants to contact the supervisors as part of the application process.