Unfold exhibition organized by Domius Academy, as part of Milan Design Week 2026 | Credit: Domus Academy

The school participates in Milan Design Week 2026

Press Release, April 15, 2026

From April 20 to 26, during Milan Design Week 2026, L’École de design Nantes Atlantique will reaffirm its presence on the international design scene with a notable participation in several exhibitions and academic highlights. Through its projects and European collaborations, the school highlights socially conscious design capable of addressing contemporary challenges and supporting major transitions, particularly those related to the blue economy.

During Milan Design Week 2026, the school reaffirms its commitment to innovative design that supports transitions

Invited by the Domus Academy, as part of the group exhibition and the Symposium UNFOLD, The school is contributing to the "Engage Friction" theme, which explores the role of design in addressing situations of tension - whether environmental, social, or technological.

On this occasion, the master's students in Digital Design present Mareva, a system of connected buoys designed to anticipate massive Sargassum strandings in Guadeloupe. By combining environmental sensors and satellite connectivity, Mareva makes it possible to predict the algae’s trajectories and organize their collection at sea, while mobilizing local stakeholders. The project illustrates design’s ability to transform an ecological crisis into coordinated collective action, at the intersection of environmental, economic, and social challenges.

The Mareva Project presented at Unfold exhibition organized by Domus Academy during the Milan Design Week 2026 | Credit: Domus Academy

The symposium, to be held on April 22, will bring together international researchers to explore the concept of “friction” as a catalyst for transformation. Frédérique Krupa (PhD, Sorbonne University), Director of the Digital design Lab at L’École de design Nantes Atlantique, where she will speak alongside international faculty members to discuss the context and approach to innovation in the blue economy through design.

At the same time, the school will participate in the 2026 edition of the exhibition INTERDEPENDENCE on the theme "Past, Present, Future," organized by the Politecnico di Milano, April 17–25.

Among the projects presented, WETLAND – Cutis Ranae explores the transformations of coastal environments through the design of amphibious gear for wetland workers. Inspired by frog skin, this device acts as an active membrane, capable of adapting to both terrestrial and aquatic environments, while incorporating bio-based and recycled materials. At the intersection of infrastructure and care, this project proposes new ways for humans and living environments to coexist. The project has also just received a Silver Award as part of Design Beyond East and West (DBEW), which recognizes design initiatives with an international scope.

Wetland - Cutis Ranae

The "Relais d’ici" project, led by the Care Design Lab of L’École de design Nantes Atlantique will also be presented at the exhibition. Designed in partnership with local stakeholders and the French Directorate-General for Social Cohesion (DGCS), 'Relais d’ici' offers an innovative mediation program to address the underutilization of social benefits in rural areas. By utilizing simple and accessible tools, such as dedicated signage and fun materials inspired by scratch-off tickets, 'Relais d’ici' aims to remove barriers related to administrative complexity and social stigma in areas often marked by isolation. Developed through a hands-on approach, the project is currently being piloted in 'Chemillé-en-Anjou' in France.

A Foundational European Commitment to the Blue Economy

The Mareva and Cutis Ranae projects are being developed as part of ATLIC, an Interreg Atlantic Area program co-financed by the European Union. ATLIC supports youth-led innovation and entrepreneurship, offering young people throughout the Atlantic region the opportunity to develop collaborative solutions for the blue economy. Through this initiative, the school reaffirms its role as a committed player in European dynamics, leveraging design as a catalyst for transformation in coastal regions.

The school’s presence in Milan is based on a joint effort by the faculty and students, who are involved in the design, production, and presentation of the exhibited projects. Under the guidance of faculty members, the students will actively participate in this international showcase, working directly with professionals on site.

Through this initiative, L’École de design Nantes Atlantique reaffirms its commitment to training designers who can engage with complex environments, address contemporary challenges, and develop sustainable solutions that support economic, social, and environmental transitions.