The USM Design Grant is a study grant launched by the Fondation USM to encourage innovation by rewarding a student’s project. For the 6th edition of the USM Design Grant awarded by the USM Foundation, ECAL Bachelor Industrial Design students, under the guidance of Swiss designer Christian Spiess, were asked to design new outdoor seating for the terrace of the Théâtre de Vidy in Lausanne.
Collaboration (2023) with Christian Spiess, Fondation USM, Théâtre de Vidy
As part of the Théâtre de Vidy's renovation, the students worked in pairs to design seatings that would provide a moment of comfort for visitors and passers-by. In addition to the aspects of practicality, seating comfort and weather resistance, a simple handling of the furniture should be considered, allowing the terrace to be adapted to different needs. Proposals providing optimised storage space and mobility have been developed accordingly.
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The awarded designs by Massimo Scheidegger & Bruno Pauli Caldas (winner) and Alicia Berclaz & Tiziana Rocha da Silva (honourable mention) were produced in multiple copies in the theatre's workshop and are therefore tailored around the skills of their carpentry, metalworking and sewing workshops.
The project was conducted with the kind support of the USM Foundation and USM U. Schärer Söhne AG.
Event
VIDY ARMCHAIR
Design Grant - Massimo Scheidegger & Bruno Pauli Caldas
The concept of the VIDY ARMCHAIR is based on the observation of the building by Max Bill, his color studies, the atmosphere of Théâtre de Vidy, echoing the architectural surroundings with its tubular steel frames construction. Wheels allow for versatile arrangements, the stackable frame enables space-saving storage and an attachable parasol holder provides shade. Ready for the next act, the VIDY ARMCHAIR is robust and combines durable materials to create a special atmosphere in homage to the theatre, inviting the guests to stay a little longer.
CÔTÉ COUR BENCH
Special Mention - Alicia Berclaz & Tiziana Rocha da Silva
Intended as a deck chair CÔTÉ COUR BENCH was specially designed for the inner courtyard of the Théâtre de Vidy. Its simple and practical shape with two backrests heights offers different seating positions so that visitors can use it alone or together. Thanks to its wheels, the bench can be easily moved like a wheelbarrow and conveniently stored upright for optimised storage.
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MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP
by Marine Col
Ropy is a seriously playful stool that plays with the past. Designed in a single, light stroke, this object draws its charm from the reuse of materials. Old naval ropes from the port of Lausanne, their colours tarnished by time, serve as raw material and become precious material once the object has been made.
BA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Christophe Guberan
Second-year industrial design students collaborated with Zurich-based brand FREITAG Lab, leveraging their expertise in environmental awareness, material upcycling, and the circular economy. Using the FREITAG manifesto as a foundation, they developed new shared products centered on the principle of "access over ownership."
MAS DESIGN FOR LUXURY & CRAFTSMANSHIP
by Shan Yu Kuan
BASUANN draws inspiration from the image of traditional Asian rattan/bamboo chairs. Its name echoes the pronunciation of the Taiwanese meaning “tie with cords”. Comprised of seven pieces of spiral ducts, BASUANN is assembled using mortise and tenon joints to connect the sitting part with the legs part. It is further reinforced by cords that securely bind the stool together. BASUANN seamlessly blends contemporary furniture design with the evocative imagery of Asian traditional craftsmanship, showcasing the aesthetic of minimalistic design.
BA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Adrien Rovero
AGO Lighting has come together with ECAL Bachelor students in Industrial Design, under the guidance of Swiss designer Adrien Rovero, to conceive a collection of lighting installations to be used in public places such as museums, hotel lobbies, coffee bar and so on. Focusing primarily on the spatial aspect of light, our approach was to design lighting structures based on components supplied by AGO and inspired by the fabric of Seoul, rather than creating mere lamps.
BA INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
with Stéphane Halmaï-Voisard
For this project, the students had to design a seat, or rather requalify and rehabilitate 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 or altered, the proposals aimed to improved the comfort and aesthetic character of the seats.