Plant Waste Material and Innovative Designs Emerge from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Students from the Lucerne School of Design, Film and Art, part of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, have unveiled a series of forward-thinking projects. These works demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, social impact, and novel material development, offering a glimpse into the future of design education and practice.

Innovative Materials from Waste

One standout project focuses on the creation of a new material derived from plant waste. This initiative repurposes discarded organic matter, such as florists’ waste and remains from funeral services, transforming it into a usable and potentially sustainable resource. The development addresses the growing need for eco-friendly alternatives in the design and manufacturing industries, by finding value in materials typically destined for landfill.

Social and Sensory Design Solutions

Beyond material innovation, the student cohort has also explored critical social issues through their design work. A tool designed for the de-escalation of sexualised and gender-specific violence has been developed, offering a practical approach to a sensitive societal problem. Additionally, a sensory retreat designed for autistic children showcases a thoughtful application of design principles to enhance well-being and create supportive environments for individuals with specific needs.

Educational Showcase

These projects were presented as part of the Dezeen School Shows, an online exhibition platform that highlights the work of emerging designers from institutions worldwide. The showcase provides a valuable opportunity for students to gain exposure and for the wider design community to engage with new ideas and potential solutions to contemporary challenges. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts is recognized for its interdisciplinary approach, fostering creativity across design, film, and art disciplines.

The initiative underscores the university’s dedication to fostering design thinking that is both aesthetically compelling and socially responsible. By tackling issues ranging from waste management to personal safety and therapeutic environments, the students are demonstrating the power of design to enact positive change.

Key facts

The work emerging from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts highlights a crucial trend in contemporary design education: the integration of sustainability and social consciousness into the core curriculum. These student projects not only represent innovative solutions but also signal a generation of designers prepared to address complex global issues through their craft. The development of materials from waste streams, in particular, offers a tangible pathway towards reducing environmental impact within the built environment and product design sectors.

Source: Dezeen, https://www.dezeen.com/2026/06/28/material-plant-waste-projects-the-lucerne-university-of-applied-sciences-and-arts-schoolshows/