This advanced MA design studio course focused on developing new approaches to corporate design that serve both functional and social purposes in educational environments. Through a real-world collaboration with the Waldstadt Grundschule Potsdam, students explored how design can support community building, sustainability and social inclusion while creating meaningful visual identities.
The project consisted of extensive research including stakeholder interviews, field observations and strategic analysis, followed by the development of comprehensive corporate design solutions. Students worked in teams to analyze the school's existing identity, understand stakeholder needs, and propose new design concepts that would better reflect and support the school's mission as a progressive environmental school ("Umweltschule").
PROJECT OUTCOMES
Gemeinsam Wachsen (Growing Together)
Students: Marina Anken, Lena Feichtinger, Julia Hamberger
Students: Marina Anken, Lena Feichtinger, Julia Hamberger
Marina, Lena and Julia created an adaptive visual system based on the concept of continuous growth and development. Using tree rings as a core design element, their identity changes with the seasons while maintaining recognition. The team developed comprehensive guidelines for implementing their flexible system across all touchpoints - from digital presence to physical spaces. Their approach particularly emphasizes the school's environmental focus through sustainable material choices and nature-inspired design elements.
Moodboard
Der Entdecker Club (The Explorer Club)
Students: Macarena Román Lozano, Linda Sophie Nißlbeck
Students: Macarena Román Lozano, Linda Sophie Nißlbeck
Macarena and Linda developed a narrative-driven concept that brings environmental education to life through storytelling. Their design features two animal mascots - a curious squirrel and wise woodpecker - who guide children in discovering nature. The team created a comprehensive brand story starting with the mascots' own journey of discovery, which serves as a metaphor for the school's approach to experiential learning. Their visual system includes playful illustrations, interactive elements, and nature-inspired graphics that encourage exploration and hands-on learning.
Das bunte Nest der Vielfalt (The Colorful Nest of Diversity)
Students: Elena Pirondini, Clara Roth
Students: Elena Pirondini, Clara Roth
Elena and Clara approached the challenge through the metaphor of a nest, representing the school as a nurturing space where diversity flourishes. Their design system combines organic shapes with a vibrant color palette to symbolize growth and inclusion. The concept extends beyond pure aesthetics by incorporating elements that celebrate the school community's diversity through cultural events and collaborative activities. Their applications range from traditional corporate materials to interactive environmental graphics that transform school spaces.
The successful integration of social design methods into academic curricula, as demonstrated through this collaborative project with Waldstadt Grundschule, reinforces the vital role of design education in shaping more inclusive and sustainable communities while preparing future designers to address complex social challenges through participatory approaches.
Special thanks to Prof. Dr. Gilbert Beronneau at SRH Berlin for his guidance and vision, and to Katja Kaden, Rector at Waldstadt Grundschule Potsdam, whose leadership and openness made this collaboration possible. We are grateful to the entire school community for their extraordinary engagement throughout this transformative project.
Project Team
Workshop Lead: Prof. Annelie Franke, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá
Academic Coordination: Prof. Dr. Gilbert Beronneau, SRH Berlin
School Coordination: Head Principal at Waldstadt Grundschule Potsdam
Participants: Elena Pirondini, Clara Roth, Macarena Román Lozano, Linda Sophie Nißlbec, Marina Anken, Lena Feichtinger, Julia Hamberger
Partner Institutions
Waldstadt Grundschule Potsdam: https://waldstadtgrundschule.de/