ECAL Design

📱 ECAL × GOOGLE – A MESSAGE FROM TOMORROW📱 The exhibition A Message From Tomorrow at Milan Design Week 2026 is a collaboration between ECAL and Google inspired by daily ritual. Centered around mobile products Master Product Design students from ECAL suggest conceptual projects considering the human dimension of mobile technology in narrative scenarios. 🗓️ 21.04–25.04.2026, 10am–8pm 📍 Spazio Orso 16, Milan Projects in order of appearance: EveryDayCarry – Mo Tong Yang @mo___tong Totem – Paul Quentin @pol.quentin Dyno – Julia Siebert Cáceres @siebertcaceres_julia Grid – Finn Helper Johnson @finn_hepler Rove – Moritz Engel @_moritzengel Tutor Chris Kabel @chris_kabel Images @tanguy.morvan @ecal_design @google #milandesignweek #productdesign #google #ecal #exhibition

LEO NIKSCH - SIENNA ECAL X KVADRAT Sienna is a cover that allows you to easily transform aluminum terrace chairs into indoor armchairs during the winter months. Thanks to the two zippers, the cover can be shaped accordingly. The edges fold over the sides, providing wide and comfortable armrests. Developed in the context of the semester project SUIT UP! led by Stéphane HalmaÏ-Voisard @stephane.halmai.voisard supported by KVADRAT @kvadrattextiles For this project, the students had to design a seat, or rather requalify, rehabilitate, and redesign a chair or armchair using existing models such as the monobloc, aluminium bistro chair, or deck chair, as the base structure. Employing Kvadrat upholstery textiles, the designs had to be reversible, meaning it should not alter the existing structure. While the original function of the chair could be maintained, the proposals improved the comfort and aesthetic character of the seats. project assisted by @brunopaulicaldas Edit and Images by @jasminedeporta

@ecal_ch x @bauwerk_parkett This semester, second-year BA Industrial Design students at ECAL kick off a new collaboration with Swiss high-end parquet manufacturer Bauwerk Parkett, led by designer Adrien Rovero. The brief: to create an object or small spatial installation for Bauwerk Parkett’s showrooms that communicates the unique, sensory qualities of natural wood — beyond samples, beyond images. How do you make visitors feel the difference between real wood and synthetic surfaces? How do you translate origin, craftsmanship, and material authenticity into a powerful experience? To start the semester, we visited Bauwerk Parkett’s production site and headquarters in St. Margrethen to experience firsthand how raw timber is transformed through craftsmanship and precision into refined flooring. A deep dive into process, material, and the essence of “real wood.” #ecal #university #bauwerkparkett #parquet #collaboration

STACCATO - BA Diploma project by Mael Sandoz @sdz_workshop Staccato is an articulated desk lamp with magnetic connectors. The connectors that make up the joints of this lamp operate through a system of notched wheels held in place by magnets, offering a wide range of motion. These magnets also serve to transfer electrical current from one end of the articulated arms to the other. The arms are assembled simply by magnetic attraction, so no screws, springs, or welding are required. The base, on the other hand, is made from conductive plastic, which allows the lamp to be turned on and off with a simple touch. The result is a simple, sleek lamp that requires minimal assembly and offers solid, durable joints with no risk of breakage.

ECAL X MICASA - HOMEWORKS In our recent collaboration with micasa, Switzerland’s leading furniture brand founded in 1981 and known for its accessible, high-quality design, BA Industrial Design students developed HOMEWORKS. This limited-edition collection invites a new generation to reconsider how living spaces are shaped and how design can become a meaningful presence in everyday routines. Guided by Swiss designer David Glättli @davidglaettli students were invited to critically rethink domestic objects and the role they play in the way we live together. The focus was on designing thoughtful pieces that combine clarity of use with character, lightness, and a touch of humor — objects that bring both function and personality into everyday life. The resulting HOMEWORKS collection brings together 38 objects that reinterpret familiar typologies and domestic rituals — from mirrors that double as clocks to planters, wastebaskets, and modular rugs that introduce new behaviors and playful interactions in the home. Functional yet expressive, the pieces explore how everyday objects can become active companions within shared spaces. All products are available on @micasa.ch Students in order of appearance: Lélie Guiochet - CANDLEHOLDERS @lelie.guiochet Nikita Neitzke - STEP STOOL @nikitaneitzke Eva Reymond - TRASH CAN @eva_reymond Noah Stanley - CHAIR @noah___stanley Abla Bolassi Owoussi - RUGS @bolassidesign Nikita Neitzke - COAT RACK Flavia Renaud - PILLOWCASES @flaviarnd Jean-Elie Matile - PAPER LAMP COLLECTION @jean_elie.matile Salla Vallotton - STORAGE SET @sallvikki Aurélien Clerc - MAGAZINE HOLDER @idees__claires Françoise Ader - HANGER @francois.ader Flavia Renaud - KITCHEN TOWELS Titouan Longatte - TABLES @titouan.longatte Joab Schneiter - MIRROR CLOCK @joabschneiter Maëlle Roten - PLANT POTS @maelle.roten Mael Sandoz - TOOLBOX @mael.sandoz Alexandre Li - WALL SHELF @alex_liyang Flavia Renaud - SHOWER CURTAIN Jeremy Loup - TROLLEY @jmy_project project assisted by Sebastiano Gallizia @cebactiano images by Calypso Mahieu @calypsomahieu

ENSEMBLE - MA Diploma project by Liyah Tomashof @lia_tomashof Rooted in the Vaud region, Ensemble explores proximity as a tool for sustainable and ethical production. In a globalized world where materials and knowledge are increasingly detached from place and people, this project explores how the design process can reweave a return to local relationships: craft, territory, and creative practice. In collaboration with a local ceramic artisan, the project has resulted in a series of porcelain objects shaped through shared dialogue and learning. Alongside the objects, mapping, interviews, and documentation of regional artisans accompany the work—highlighting a method of making that is relational, grounded, and reciprocal.

CLARA UZUNOVIC - VANO ECAL X KVADRAT Vano is a waterproof cover specifically designed to fit aluminium bistro-style chairs. Conceived in two parts, it preserves the stackability of the original chair while providing enhanced comfort. Toggle buttons form an ingenious fastening system, giving the chair a cocooning, enveloping appearance. Developed in the context of the semester project SUIT UP! led by Stéphane HalmaÏ-Voisard @stephane.halmai.voisard supported by KVADRAT @kvadrattextiles For this project, the students had to design a seat, or rather requalify, rehabilitate, and redesign a chair or armchair using existing models such as the monobloc, aluminium bistro chair, or deck chair, as the base structure. Employing Kvadrat upholstery textiles, the designs had to be reversible, meaning it should not alter the existing structure. While the original function of the chair could be maintained, the proposals improved the comfort and aesthetic character of the seats. project assisted by @brunopaulicaldas Edit and Images by @jasminedeporta

♻️ RE.CHUV+ECAL ♻️ From November 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, VU.CH presents RE.CHUV+ECAL, an exhibition by ECAL for the CHUV, centered on an approach to furniture design that gives new value to existing materials. Under the direction of Lausanne-based designer Anthony Guex ( @anthonyguex ), students from the ECAL Bachelor in Industrial Design program inventoried and re-evaluated materials recovered from the renovation of the CHUV outpatient radiology department, then designed furniture and accessories suited to the specific constraints of the hospital environment. A joint selection by Aubert Architectes ( @aubertarchitectessa ), CHUV ( @chuvlausanne ), and ECAL ( @ecal_ch ) led to their small-scale production in ECAL’s atelier. Vernissage 🗓️ 11.11.2025, 4pm-6pm Exhibition 🗓️ 12.11.2025-15.01.2026 📍 Espace CHUV Lausanne Students: @angelique_ahlborn · @paolobartolinidesign · @seo_chun5 · @laurafgdesigns · @martin.formaz · @theo_design.ch · @amandahauserr · @lola_janiot · @chloejaquetdesign · @820.yeyo · @jh_archives_ · @matthieulant · @alice_lebihan · @solevlab · @loumuller___ · @esterspoormans · @morgane_terry.design · @chloecervantes_ · @loriandpr · @ella_sud · @raphimot.id · @florianschmid.design · @arnaud_stadt · @n_o_a_h.w · @an7ouk 📸 @jasminedeporta @chuvlausanne @ecal_design #ECAL #IndustrialDesign #Upcycling #Design #Exhibition #CHUV

CHRYSALIDE - BA Diploma project by Basile Avvanzino @basileus_tr8 Mountain amateurs and beginners can have a hard time in selecting, buying and getting familiar with the equipment needed to sleep outdoor. The 3 objects that are usually necessary are a mattress, a tent and a sleeping bag. Unfortunately these objects are not always designed to fit each other, requiring a lot of space and extra effort. Chrysalide is a new typology of sleeping bag, that combines everything you need in one single object. This new proposition allows the user to sleep comfortably in all weather conditions, while being lightweight and easy to pack. Chrysalide makes sleeping in the nature a simple, handy and pleasurable experience

ANOUCK MORLON - RAVIOLI CHAIR ECAL X KVADRAT This project aims to transform an affordable outdoor chair—the Transat—into a unique and comfortable piece for indoor use. Often associated with accessibility, practicality, and outdoor settings, the chair is reimagined to suit interior spaces with a more distinctive design. Using fabrics, padding materials, and a sewing machine, the focus is on an especially thorough exploration of the different ways textiles can be manipulated to create an exceptional quilted pattern. The chair is fully covered so that its original shape disappears, and no association with the Transat can be made. The Transat thus serves as a skeleton to create a new indoor lounge chair. Developed in context of the semester project SUIT UP! Led by Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard @stephane.halmai.voisard , supported by KVADRAT @kvadrattextiles For this project, the students had to design a seat, or rather requalify, rehabilitate, and redesign a chair or armchair using existing models such as the monobloc, aluminium bistro chair, or deck chair, as the base structure. Employing Kvadrat upholstery textiles, the designs had to be reversible, meaning it should not alter the existing structure. While the original function of the chair could be maintained, the proposals improved the comfort and aesthetic character of the seats. project assisted by @brunopaulicaldas Edit + Images by @jasminedeporta

L’Eufleurie - BA Diploma project by Iris Gerbex @_soapi_ For centuries, humans have found ways to integrate nature into public and private spaces. For my mémoire called L’Eufleurie, I retraced 200 years of this reality, revealing a strong relationship between us and flowers. This has resulted in a research project of trying to design nature. Understanding the principle of capillarity, found in real plants, I used paper and water to create movement, colour and odour. Letting the artificial flowers to become alive, and eventually die. This project prompts reflection on the environmental impact of cut flowers, offering an alternative to this source of pollution.