Published on 19 November 2025 by ISAD — School of Design in Milan

In the evolving landscape of design education, the ability to transform abstract concepts into tangible spatial experiences is paramount. At ISAD – Istituto Superiore di Architettura e Design in Milan, the third-year projects embody this principle, challenging students to interrogate the boundaries between commerce, culture, and sustainability. The following selected works—Gyakusou Nike Undercover Lab Shop Design, Ahuir340, Cohors, and Green Factory—demonstrate a sophisticated engagement with materiality, brand identity, and environmental responsibility, reflecting the school's commitment to nurturing forward-thinking designers.

Gyakusou Nike Undercover Lab Shop Design: Merging Sport and High Fashion

The Gyakusou Nike Undercover Lab Shop Design project explores the intersection of athletic performance and avant-garde fashion. Students were tasked with envisioning a retail environment for the collaborative line between Nike and Undercover, a Japanese label known for its unconventional aesthetics. The challenge lay in creating a space that honors both the technical precision of sportswear and the conceptual depth of high fashion.

The resulting proposals often feature dynamic spatial sequences that guide visitors through a narrative of movement and innovation. Materials such as polished concrete, brushed steel, and translucent acrylic are juxtaposed with unexpected elements like raw timber or industrial mesh, echoing the collection's blend of function and artistry. Lighting plays a crucial role, with dramatic spotlights accentuating product displays while ambient glows create an immersive atmosphere. The designs frequently incorporate modular fixtures that can be reconfigured for events or seasonal changes, reflecting the lab-like, experimental ethos of the collaboration.

Students also considered the digital integration essential to contemporary retail. Interactive screens, RFID-enabled fitting rooms, and seamless e-commerce touchpoints were proposed to enhance customer engagement without detracting from the physical experience. The project underscores the importance of understanding brand DNA and translating it into a holistic spatial language.

Design is not just about objects; it is about the stories spaces tell and the emotions they evoke.

Ahuir340: Reimagining Workspace Dynamics

Ahuir340 presents a forward-thinking approach to the modern workplace, questioning traditional office layouts in favor of flexible, human-centric environments. The project name, suggestive of a code or coordinates, hints at the systematic yet creative process behind the design. Students analyzed emerging work patterns—remote collaboration, agile teams, and the blurring of professional and personal life—to propose spaces that adapt to diverse needs.

The designs often feature open-plan areas punctuated by private pods for focused work, informal meeting zones with writable surfaces, and relaxation corners that promote mental well-being. Biophilic elements, such as indoor plants and natural light optimization, are integrated to reduce stress and increase productivity. Acoustic considerations are paramount, with sound-absorbing materials and strategic spatial zoning to mitigate noise in open environments.

Ahuir340 also addresses sustainability through the use of recycled and locally sourced materials, modular furniture systems that can be easily reconfigured, and energy-efficient lighting and HVAC solutions. The project encourages students to think beyond aesthetics, considering the lifecycle of materials and the long-term adaptability of spaces. This holistic approach prepares graduates to tackle real-world challenges in workplace design, where functionality and employee satisfaction are paramount.

Cohors: Designing for Collective Living

Cohors delves into the concept of co-living, a housing model gaining traction in urban centers as a response to rising costs and social isolation. The project challenges students to design shared living environments that balance privacy with community, fostering meaningful interactions among residents. The name, Latin for "cohort" or "group," reflects the emphasis on collective identity and mutual support.

Student proposals typically include a mix of private micro-units and generous communal spaces such as shared kitchens, lounges, co-working areas, and recreational facilities. The design of these shared spaces is critical, as they must encourage spontaneous encounters while accommodating diverse activities. Flexible furniture, movable partitions, and multi-purpose rooms allow residents to customize their environment according to changing needs.

Attention is also given to the psychological impact of density. Natural light, ventilation, and visual connections to outdoor green spaces are prioritized to prevent feelings of confinement. Cohors projects often incorporate vertical gardens, rooftop terraces, and interior courtyards, creating a sense of openness within urban settings. Additionally, students explore the integration of smart home technologies to manage shared resources efficiently, from energy consumption to booking communal amenities. This project equips students with the skills to design for social sustainability, addressing the growing demand for community-oriented housing.

Green Factory: Toward Regenerative Industrial Design

The Green Factory project reimagines industrial facilities as regenerative ecosystems rather than isolated production sites. Students are tasked with designing a manufacturing plant that minimizes environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of workers and surrounding communities. This project reflects a broader shift in industrial design toward circular economy principles and carbon neutrality.

Key considerations include the use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, rainwater harvesting systems, and on-site waste treatment. Building materials are chosen for their low embodied carbon, with preference given to timber, recycled steel, and bio-based composites. The layout of the factory is optimized for efficient material flows, reducing transportation energy and enabling closed-loop recycling of production byproducts.

Beyond environmental performance, Green Factory emphasizes the human dimension of industrial work. Students propose ergonomic workstations, abundant natural light, and break areas with greenery to improve job satisfaction and productivity. Some designs incorporate public-facing elements, such as visitor centers or educational trails, to demystify manufacturing processes and foster community engagement. By integrating ecological and social considerations, the project challenges the traditional image of the factory as a polluting eyesore, presenting it instead as a positive contributor to its environment.

Cross-Cutting Themes and Pedagogical Approach

Across these four projects, several recurring themes emerge that define the ISAD third-year experience. First, there is a consistent emphasis on user-centered design, whether the user is a shopper, an office worker, a co-living resident, or a factory employee. Students are trained to conduct thorough research into user needs and behaviors, translating insights into spatial solutions that enhance quality of life.

Second, sustainability is treated not as an optional add-on but as a fundamental design parameter. From material selection to energy systems, students are expected to justify every decision in terms of environmental impact. This rigorous approach prepares them for a professional landscape where green building standards and corporate social responsibility are increasingly mandatory.

Third, the integration of technology is explored not for its own sake but as a means to create more responsive and efficient spaces. Digital tools, smart systems, and interactive elements are woven into the fabric of the designs, reflecting the realities of contemporary practice. Finally, the projects encourage a critical stance toward existing typologies, pushing students to question conventions and propose innovative alternatives. This intellectual curiosity, combined with practical skills, is the hallmark of an ISAD education.

For those interested in exploring more student work, the Progetti 2 page offers insights into earlier explorations, while Progetti 4 showcases advanced projects that build on these foundations. The evolution from conceptual thinking to refined execution is a testament to the school's progressive curriculum.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Design

The projects presented in Progetti 3 illustrate the depth and breadth of design education at ISAD. From the high-energy world of fashion retail to the quiet dignity of sustainable industry, students demonstrate an ability to adapt their skills to diverse contexts. These works are not mere academic exercises; they are prototypes for a future where design plays a central role in addressing global challenges.

As these young designers move into the professional world, they carry with them the values instilled at ISAD: a commitment to excellence, a sensitivity to human needs, and a responsibility toward the planet. The Gyakusou Nike Undercover Lab, Ahuir340, Cohors, and Green Factory projects are more than portfolio pieces—they are statements of intent for a new generation of architects and designers. We invite you to explore further and witness the creative energy that defines our institution.

Written by ISAD — School of Design in Milan