Diploma 2024
The «Punch Prize» recognizes outstanding graduation projects that innovatively address issues of environmental sustainability, the climate crisis and the complex relationships between humans, nature and more-than-human. The three winning projects will now be exhibited as part of the Swissnex «Climate Ring» initiative from September 25th to 27th, 2024 during Climate Week at Performance Space New York. The «Climate Ring» is a three-day pop-up boxing arena that highlights Swiss creativity and innovation in relation to climate change and social justice. The Climate Ring takes on the greatest challenge of our time: creating a more sustainable and resilient future for all!
The «Punch Prize» exists thanks to the intensive exchange between REFRESH and Swissnex in Boston and New York. This year, the «Punch Prize» was awarded for the first time to three graduates from the BA and MA Major of the Department of Design. We congratulate the winners and are sure that the projects will be well received at Climate Week.
Further information on the «Climate Ring» exhibition in New York:
here
Winner:
Corallum – Emilia Lendi (BA Major Industrial Design)
Coral reefs are dying worldwide because of climate change – with fatal results for the marine ecosystem and humans. The coral restoration module «Corallum» expands the artificial reefs by rrreefs. It provides an ideal basis for rearing corals and creating a permanent habitat for them.
In Full Bloom – Lisa Bach & Charisse Ann de Leon (BA Major Game Design)
Taking inspiration from the classic Tamagotchi mechanics, the goal of «In Full Bloom» is clear: Keep the creature alive. As the player feeds the ever-hungry entity, it continues to outgrow its environment. They will be confronted with the conflict between responsibility and mindless consumption. The players have to embrace the blend of weirdness and familiarity. There is only one way.
More Moor – Riva Pinto (MA Major Interaction Design)
«More Moor» explores in which ways interactive experiences can contribute to emotional learning about moor ecosystems and promote engagement in conservation. Relevant theories and practices from interaction design, psychology and pedagogy are combined to highlight how multisensory elements in an interactive learning environment can effectively enhance educational strategies for environmental protection.
