Luis
Rodriguez

Projects

Luis Rodriguez – Coalesce

PRODUCT DESIGN

Luis Rodriguez – Coalesce

with Camille Blin, Augustin Scott de Martinville

Coalesce is a speculative design research project which explores the use of artificial intelligence to create a gender-fluid design language. By using AI image blending and text-to-image AI models, it is possible to create intersections between unnecessarily gendered products and question the biases and stereotypes that are linked to gender identities within the product design industry. The project consists of an interactive installation that showcases the results of blending razors for women and men through a trained AI model and physical prototypes made through 3D sculpting and modelling as reinterpretations of the AI-designed products.

U.F.O.G.O. Wind Turbines

PRODUCT DESIGN

U.F.O.G.O. Wind Turbines

with Camille Blin, Anniina Koivu, Anthony Guex, Marvin Merkel, Arthur Seguin

In 2023, the significant role of renewable energies in tackling the environmental crisis is blatant. In this context, wind power has once again been presented as a promising avenue for regions seeking to transition to renewable energy. However, concerns about their visual intrusion on surrounding environments pose a significant obstacle to their deployment. From a design perspective, this aesthetical factor is not insurmountable. On the contrary, it highlights the need for greater consideration of how we shape these technologies and integrate them into the environment and our lives. This project, completed by 16 MA Product Design Students of ECAL, has set out to explore how wind turbines can fit into natural landscapes and cultures not only sensitively, but beautifully – if we focus on their design. To complete the project effectively, a case study location was required. Fogo Island (Newfoundland, Canada), described locally as "this rock in the battering Northern Sea," was chosen due to its natural beauty, abundant wind, and tight-knit community of approximately 2,500 inhabitants. The island's climate and geography make it ideal for wind turbines. Additionally, Fogo Island is home to Shorefast, a non-profit organization dedicated to building a sustainable, renewable economy for the island. In October 2022, the students and tutors of ECAL visited and immersed themselves in Fogo Island. The project resulted in eight speculative yet practical wind turbine designs, considerately informed by various perspectives. U.F.O.G.O. is a sustainability project  grounded in reality, but not limited by what already is. Collaboration Partners: Shorefast HEIG-VD/School of Management and Engineering Vaud (Marc Pellerin, Philippe Morey and Marco Viviani) Media Partner: Disegno Funding: Summer University Programme of the Board of Higher Education (DGES) State of Vaud HES-SO Recherche Transdisciplinaire en Durabilite (under the project title 'INTEGRATED WIND TURBINES’)

Fogo Island Plastic Free Kites

PRODUCT DESIGN

Fogo Island Plastic Free Kites

with Camille Blin, Maxwell Ashford, Anthony Guex, Anniina Koivu

Fogo, nicknamed ‘a rock in the ocean’ is a small island situated off Newfoundland, Canada. As a part of a larger on-going semester project, 2nd Year Master Product Design students of ECAL, completed a short, fun, few day workshop, utilising one of the most abundant resources on the island - wind. Working in collaboration with the ShoreFast Foundation - an organisation working in numerous avenues to create a sustainable economy on the island, students developed plastic free kites. Fogo Island has the intention of becoming completely plastic free in the coming years and as their tourist numbers increase memorabilia of this special place are in higher demand. The developed kites are therefore to be made on the island and intended for the Fogo Island Workshop gift shop. Using Birch Wood, Ripstop Organic Cotton and hemp fibre string the students created a range of designs, taking reference from the unique features of the island.

Events

ECAL Milano 2023: U.F.O.G.O.,18–23.04.2023,Spazio Orso 16

EXHIBITIONS

ECAL Milano 2023: U.F.O.G.O.,
18–23.04.2023,
Spazio Orso 16

On the occasion of the Milan Design Week (17-23 April 2023), ECAL presents U.F.O.G.O., an exhibition that provides a solution for a better integration of wind turbines in our landscapes.

EXHIBITION OF THE WINNERS OF THE ENCOURAGEMENT PRIZE OF THE CITY OF RENENS,01–18.12.2022,La Ferme des Tilleuls, Renens

EXHIBITIONS

EXHIBITION OF THE WINNERS OF THE ENCOURAGEMENT PRIZE OF THE CITY OF RENENS,
01–18.12.2022,
La Ferme des Tilleuls, Renens

From December 1 to 18, 2022, la Ferme des Tilleuls hosts the exhibition of the Encouragement Prize of the City of Renens. A prize that rewards Lea Sblandano and Luis Rodriguez, students respectively in Bachelor Photography and Master Product Design for the quality of their work.

Articles

ENCOURAGEMENT PRIZE OF THE CITY OF RENENS 2022

AWARDS & DISTINCTIONS

ENCOURAGEMENT PRIZE OF THE CITY OF RENENS 2022

For the 10th consecutive year, the City of Renens awards the Encouragement Prize to ECAL students. Lea Sblandano, student in Bachelor Photography, and Luis Rodriguez, student in Master Product Design, received the 2022 award for the quality of their work.