Textured material created using botanic waste, close-up view.

Transforming Waste and Crafting Change: Innovations from Lucerne’s Emerging Designers

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Written by Seth Sebastian

2026-07-01

Art and sustainability merge at the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art Lucerne, where students challenge conventional approaches by innovating with materials like plant waste and exploring social themes. These projects showcase how design can be a tool for change rather than just consumption.

Explore more on sustainability with innovative approaches as Circulab’s circular economy principles to learn how waste can be significantly minimized.

Reimagining security with Chiara Aeschbacher

Designing Security for FLINTA* People by Chiara Aeschbacher addresses gender-specific violence using design for community empowerment. Her project focuses on intersectional-feminist approaches to creating secure environments, encouraging empowerment and prevention.

Open laptop on a wooden desk in a minimalist setting.
Photo of a laptop

Sustainable creativity by Tiana Borcherding

Die Quittung, designed by Tiana Borcherding, invites students to reconsider their role within environmental networks. This project challenges traditional design processes and encourages a collective responsibility for sustainability.

Group of people discussing ideas in front of a pinboard.
Photo of people in front of a pinboard

Sabrina Brunner revives Swiss heritage

In Rustic Bern Ceramics, Sabrina Brunner brings new life to traditional Swiss crafts. She simplifies design principles, making heritage accessible while using stencilled engobe painting to pass knowledge across generations.

Assorted handmade ceramics displayed together against a white backdrop.
Photo of ceramics

Noah Bühler‘s sensory sanctuary

Eingenistet, created by Noah Bühler, offers a refuge for autistic children. This biophilic design promotes inclusion, providing security and reducing stress among children aged 4 to 12 through a comforting sensory retreat.

Wooden sensory design project with various textures and shapes.
Photo of wooden sensory design project

Adjustable solutions by Sherine Keller

Sherine Keller’s Sitta+ addresses the needs of children with shorter statures using a 3D-printed adjustable chair system. This inclusive design aims to prevent stigmatisation and promote equality in educational settings.

Pair of modern chairs with sleek, minimalist design.
Photo of chairs

Nadja Knuchel‘s modular privacy

Wooden partition screen positioned next to a simple wooden desk.
Photo of wooden screen and desk

Nadja Knuchel‘s Modular Partition Wall offers a versatile solution for open-plan living spaces. Using disassemblable spruce wood and cotton, these walls provide privacy while promoting sustainable consumption.

Local craftsmanship with Sinah-Moana Mainardi

Through 20944072, Sinah-Moana Mainardi explores local production with a handbag made entirely from regional materials. This self-experiment challenges global supply chains and showcases the value of local resources.

Close-up of wool textile showing intricate weave patterns.
Photo of wool textile

Bex Nitsch defies conventional design

Untamed Objects by Bex Nitsch challenges the patriarchal norms in design. These 3D-printed pieces explore freedom and diversity, highlighting the potential of Queer and multi-gender design expressions.

Collection of various modern design objects on display.
Photo of design objects

Nicolas Roseng critiques consumption

In From Consumption, Nicolas Roseng uses delivery cartons to comment on consumer behaviour and production inefficiencies. This project turns recycled cardboard into seating solutions, prompting reflection on consumption habits.

Person seated on a large, box-shaped furniture piece indoors.
Photo of person sat on a box

Jana Berit Seregi fosters communication

Share by Jana Berit Seregi seeks to address stress in nursing contexts. Sensory objects facilitate crucial conversations, fostering mental wellbeing and improving institutional interactions within educational settings.

Modern design object with geometric lines and neutral tones.
Photo of design object

Nicolas Zeller aids autonomy

Nicolas Zeller‘s Self-helping Hands tackles the issue of tremors in seniors, providing tangible solutions to enhance independence and quality of life through gently weighted instruments.

Person with glove on one hand, reading a booklet indoors.
Photo someone wearing a glove and reading

Jessica Zwahlen combats loneliness

Jessica Zwahlen‘s project Sen creates comforting objects to alleviate loneliness in youth. Through touch and warmth, these items provide emotional reassurance, linking design with personal wellbeing.

Person lounging on a bed with minimalistic bedding.
Photo of person on a bed

Noemi Curty reimagines remembrance

Noemi Curty utilizes florists’ waste to craft biodegradable urns in Kukka Urna, offering a poignant reflection on transience and remembrance, transforming floral remains into meaningful commemorative pieces.

Material sample produced from botanic waste, detailed shot.
Photo of material made from botanic waste

For those interested in creative expressions using discarded materials, Rebecca Szeto’s paintbrush portraits beautifully highlight sustainability in art.

These students from the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art demonstrate how design can go beyond aesthetics to address critical social and environmental issues, nurturing a future-proof society.

Source: dezeen.com