Anna Maria Zuech
MIARD Graduation project
Exhibited at Nieuwe Institute as part of “A Moth in the Room”
Under the supervision of Cookies (Federico Martelli) and Ephraim Joris
Marbor is a ring made from Marmo Zero and bioplastic, designed for natural plant care. It provides long-term fertilization, regulates soil pH, reflects sunlight, and helps prevent weed growth. Composed primarily of calcium carbonate, Marbor offers a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments while recycling marble waste. Over time, it dissolves, enriching the soil and closing the material cycle.
This project was developed as part of a graduation thesis at the Free University of Bolzano–Bozen under the supervision of Aart van Bezooijen and Laura Straßer.
It creates a cross pattern on two sides of the stick and forms a handle at the top. In 2021 the project won the International Design Award (IAUD) for best Student Design Challenge. „Bastoni“ was presented at the Grassi Messe in Leipzig (2021) and at the Salone di mobile satellite and at the MCBW, where it won the Universal Design price.
Free University of Bolzano-Bozen
Under the supervision of Kuno Prey and Luca Martorano
The project uses mirror tiles to spark conversations and reflections. Each tile offers a unique view, both visually and socially, symbolizing connectivity and movement. The tiles are designed to reflect on social situations, architecture, and the self, creating a playful distribution of perspectives. Made from stainless steel, they are weather-resistant and durable. Different shapes, convex mirrors, and openings for plant growth enhance the experience, offering various sensations and perceptions of the surrounding space.
The tiles are produced through methods like metal spinning and incremental sheet forming, with tempered finishes to create vibrant colors through oxidation. This process adds warmth and color to the concrete surroundings, enhancing the sense of reflection and connection.
Under the supervision of Ephraim Joris
We focused on the concept of “Sheepscapes,” where sheep foster fertile lands filled with flowers and pollinators. Additionally, the project addresses the underutilization of wool, which is often discarded due to its low commercial value. Through three treatments of wool from different sheep breeds, we created three symbolic “gardens”—a line, surface, and volume—demonstrating sheep’s impact on the landscape and biodiversity.
Each wool product reflects the ecosystem sheep create as they graze, dispersing seeds and enriching the soil. This process not only enhances plant growth but also attracts insects and birds, contributing to a richer, more diverse environment.
In collaboration with Silvia Bianchini
Under the supervision of Studio Ossidiana
Bauhaus University Weimar
Under the supervision of Andreas Mühlenberend