Basel students design futuristic vehicles, showcasing innovative mobility and interaction concepts in a bright studio.

“Basel Design Students Transform Mobility and Interaction with Innovative Concepts”

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Written by John Oliver

2026-09-09

At the Basel Academy of Art and Design, students are developing innovative projects that blend innovation and practicality, focusing on mobility and interaction. Among these is a mobility device aimed at empowering elderly travelers, developed by Lorenzo Rimini. The device, called MOOVE, acts as a fusion between luggage and a walker, catering for active travelers aged 75 plus. Its design prioritizes autonomy with features like walking support, a seating perch, and a customizable aesthetic, empowering them to travel independently and with style.

Modern workspace with open laptops and sketches scattered across large wooden tables.
Photograph of a workspace

Immersive Sensory Experiences and Connectivity

Alexander Prekas delves into sensory escapism with “Etwas ist geblieben – Fabers Kammer,” drawing inspiration from “Fahrenheit 451.” This immersive narrative space allows visitors to engage with the character Faber’s world through objects, sounds, and smells, emphasizing engagement while tackling themes of digital desensitization and censorship.

Group of design students discussing their project, surrounded by sketches and models.

In the realm of ceramic design, Boyun Choi examines the unnoticed yet integral role of ceramics in modern bathrooms. Her research highlights ceramics’ tactile, acoustic, and visual potential as a medium for self-care rituals, reframing the bathroom as a sensory haven that fosters interaction.

Exploring how immersive installations foster interaction, Studio LoopLoop’s Alice Stool exemplifies the power of design in transforming everyday experiences.

Close-up of architectural model and drawing tools on a cluttered table.

Redefining Spaces and Maternal Experiences

Bruna Ideias questions the conventional design of birthing rooms with her modular furniture system. Her work challenges the passive connotation of delivery beds, proposing a more dynamic and person-centered environment using warm tones and natural materials that enhance movement and engagement.

Young woman presenting her design project to a small group of peers.

In examining museum design, Elisa Bartat critiques the anthropocentric narratives prevalent in natural history exhibitions. Her project, “Plant Intimacies,” proposes an interactive installation that dissolves traditional boundaries, allowing visitors to engage directly with plants as relational agents, promoting interaction.

Innovative product prototype placed on a white, minimalist display stand.

Fashion’s Emotional and Transformative Power

Elvira Grau presents “Valere,” a fashion collection that weaves value and emotional connection through multisensory experiences. Using hand-painted silk, sculptural silhouettes, and traditional St Gallen embroidery, Grau connects Swiss textile heritage with contemporary narratives.

Team collaborating on a large digital screen displaying mobility concepts.

Lia Schürpf collaborates with Kaserne Basel to create “Fragments of Waldenburg,” a series of installations that encourage community participation and reinterpret local landscapes, reshaping public perception and interaction with the locale through enhanced engagement.

For another take on innovative design in urban spaces, SoBA’s Block Kindergarten expertly merges playful aesthetics with strategic architectural planning.

Designer adjusting model parts in a bright, organized workspace.

Personal Narratives and Portable Innovation

Miranda Kistler explores memory and change through design in “MDK,” using garments as vessels for interwoven stories and cultural narratives, emphasizing transformation and fluidity, essential for engagement.

Professional evaluating a digital design on a glowing laptop screen.

Nada Elghareb introduces a pocket-sized, sensory game, designed to root players in the physical world through tactile engagement. This versatile device serves as both a standalone experience and a smartphone accessory, providing opportunities for interaction.

The fashion studio’s exploration continues with Noerah‘s debut collection, which reverses conventional roles of accessories and garments. Inspired by club culture and digital avatars, the collection features wearable art that redefines identity with imaginative flourishes, fostering new forms of engagement.

Collection of colorful sketches pinned on a wall in a creative studio.

Sources & Links

Source: dezeen.com

Frequently asked questions

What is MOOVE by Lorenzo Rimini?

MOOVE is a mobility device developed by Lorenzo Rimini at the Basel Academy of Art and Design. It acts as a fusion between luggage and a walker, designed for travelers aged 75 plus to travel independently.

How does Bruna Ideias rethink birthing room design?

Bruna Ideias proposes a modular furniture system for birthing rooms that challenges the passive connotation of traditional delivery beds. Her design uses warm tones and natural materials to enhance movement and engagement.

What themes does Elvira Grau explore with ‘Valere’?

Elvira Grau’s ‘Valere’ is a fashion collection that explores the emotional and transformative power of fashion. It focuses on weaving value and emotional connection through multisensory experiences using traditional Swiss textile techniques.