The USM Design Grant is a study grant launched by the FONDATION USM to encourage innovation by rewarding a student’s project. The grant amounts to CHF 25,000. This competition takes place each year, alternating between Geneva and Lausanne, and is granted in turn to students from HEAD/Haute école d’art et design Genève and ECAL/Ecole cantonale d’art de Lausanne.

The project “Second Skin” aims to introduce alternative working environments for challenging or unconventional conditions. 16 bachelor students of the interior architecture department at HEAD – Genève designed spacial proposals such as a micro atelier, a work cocoon, expandable furniture or body worn privacy screens. Personal working conditions are improved by adding a layer of comfort, protection and joy.

The project was conducted in collaboration with the FONDATION USM. The USM Design Grant has been given to Abigaël Mackenzie (winner) and Mélina Laville (honourable mention). This study grant initiated by the FONDATION USM in 2017 promotes innovation amongst students.

Studio tutor: Simon Husslein, assisted by Damien Greder
Students: Capucine Bricheux, Hwang Gyeonghwan, Chiara Kocis, Mélina Laville, Abigaël Mackenzie, Thérèse Weibel, Emma Wikner, Taomei Bengone, Rui-Filipe Bernardes da Silva, Tania Bersier, Rafael Donoso, Shana Lancian, Deborah Marolf, Astrid Mayer, Hugo Milan, Sonia Schwerdtel.

ABIGAËL MACKENZIE
Space in Suspension

“Space in Suspension” acts as a large scale intervention inside an interior space. The textile and light partition allows for an open space to be articulated around the user’s needs. By entering the suspended installation between the layers of textile one finds a small escape for one person. A seat like structure is sewn into the cotton walls. When seated the volume is forming a close fit around the shape of the body. The user is able to slide the arms through the adjusted sleeves for a more ergonomic fit. The installation also works as a light both towards the surrounding environment and towards the inside.

MÉLINA LAVILLE
Cloudy Hood

Cloudy hood is a spacial protection that allows to work concentrated. The objects creates an intimate space around its user while working in front of a computer, while reading a book or while making a phone call. The natural material reduces ambient noise. The visual barrier allows to focus while also enabling to peak though the small openings when intended. Cloudy hood can be easily stored hanging on a wall. It is intended to being used inside offices as well as public places like in a library or even at home.