Dezeen School Shows: a biodegradable urn made of blood and hair is among the experimental student projects from the University of Ljubljana.

Also featured is a collection of toys informed by animal and plant species found in a forest, and biodegradable packaging crafted from seagrass.

University of Ljubljana

Institution: University of Ljubljana
School: Academy of Fine Arts and Design
Courses: Industrial Design (BA), Industrial Design (MA) and Illustration (BA)
Tutors: Rok Kuhar, Tamara Lašič Jurković, Nina Mihovec, Jure Miklavc, Marija Nabernik, Barbara Predan, Tim Prezelj, Barbara Prinčič and Aleks Tatic

School statement:

"The Industrial Design course at the University of Ljubljana's Academy of Fine Arts and Design educates responsible, critical and future-oriented designers capable of addressing the complexities of contemporary life through sustainable, research-driven design.

"As the only university-level industrial design programme in Slovenia, we offer a vertically integrated path (from BA to PhD) that combines design practice with theory, strategic thinking and a strong understanding of social, technological and environmental contexts. Our interdisciplinary approach is grounded in design methodology, systems thinking and user-centred innovation.

"Students work on hands-on projects developed in collaboration with public and private partners, tackling real-world challenges—from sustainable product design and service innovation to circular economy strategies and social impact. Teaching is led by a dynamic, inclusive team with deep experience in both academic research and professional practice.

"A distinctive feature of our programme is the integration of research into the design process, with an emphasis on visual literacy – an area that equips students to critically analyse and communicate complex ideas through design. This foundation supports the development of designers who are not only technically skilled, but also intellectually engaged and socially aware.

"The student projects presented below reflect these values in practice. They demonstrate the diversity, depth and relevance of our approach – and the creativity of our students in responding to the challenges of the world around them."

Woodn't it be nice? by Zoja Čepin, Jure Kralj, Maša Kralj, Klara Maček and Leon Rojk Štupar

"Forests are one of the Earth's three largest carbon sinks. While they serve as vital habitats for biodiversity, misguided human interventions have led to monoculture plantations – so-called green deserts – resulting in ecological degradation and bark beetle overpopulation.

"Woodn't it be nice? raises awareness of the human impact on forest ecosystems and the imbalances it creates.

"The newly designed educational observatory and multi-species feeder aim to address these knowledge gaps, offering a first step towards more resilient and informed approaches.

"By highlighting the role of bark beetle overpopulation as a sign of ecological imbalance, the project invites deeper reflection on the established forest management practices."

Students: Zoja Čepin, Jure Kralj, Maša Kralj, Klara Maček and Leon Rojk Štupar
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutors: Tamara Lašič Jurković, Jure Miklavc, Barbara Predan, Tim Prezelj and Barbara Prinčič
Email: jure.kralj21[at]gmail.com, klara.macek2[at]gmail.com, kralj.masa[at]gmail.com and zoja.cepin[at]gmail.com

Seapack by Umihana Dizdarevič, Marko Gorenak, Anja Tudjan and Nina Vranješ

"Created as a student project for the Biodesign Challenge, this innovation transforms washed-up seagrass into biodegradable packaging.

"Every year, the EU produces 84 million tonnes of polystyrene, much of which ends up polluting our oceans.

"At the same time, up to 18 metres-cubed of seagrass is collected daily from Slovenian beaches alone – most of it incinerated, wasting a potentially valuable resource.

"Seapack reimagines this marine waste as a sustainable material. Light, sturdy and saltwater-degradable, it offers a natural alternative to Styrofoam. No plastic. No pollution. Just circular thinking."

Students: Umihana Dizdarevič, Marko Gorenak, Anja Tudjan and Nina Vranješ
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutors: Tamara Lašič Jurković, Jure Miklavc, Barbara Predan, Tim Prezelj and Barbara Prinčič
Emails: mg14176[at]student.uni-lj.si, at94167[at]student.uni-lj.si, ud25067[at]student.uni-lj.si and nv39619[at]student.uni-lj.si

Cohesion Through Restraint – Professional Coffee Machines by Zoja Čepin, Marko Gorenak and Anja Tudjan

"As part of an intensive one-week workshop led by Milan-based designer Aleks Tatic, MA industrial design students were challenged to develop new coffee machine concepts based on an identical technical and functional layout.

"This group focused on creating machines for professional environments. Their approach was defined by clarity, restraint and spatial sensitivity – designs intended to integrate seamlessly into their surroundings rather than dominate them.

"Each of the three outcomes was developed around a specific user scenario, refined through analysis, ideation and detailed design work.

"The final concepts were presented with high-end visualisations that convey a refined, purpose-driven aesthetic."

Students: Zoja Čepin, Marko Gorenak and Anja Tudjan
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutor: Aleks Tatic
Emails: zojacepin.aluo[at]gmail.com, anja.tudjan[at]gmail.com and gorenak.marko[at]gmail.com

Disruption Through Expression – Experimental Coffee Machines by Maša Kralj, Klara Kisewetterova and Jaka Kordiš

"A second group of MA product design students explored the same design brief – creating coffee machines from a shared technical base – through a radically different lens. They approached the appliance as a vehicle for expression and as a visually prominent object in space.

"Their three bold concepts are experimental and expressive, intended to stand out rather than blend in. By focusing on unconventional user scenarios, they challenged typical expectations of kitchen appliances and reimagined the coffee machine as a design statement.

"The results, developed in great detail and presented through striking visualisations, demonstrate just how far creative direction can diverge from the same starting point."

Students: Maša Kralj, Klara Kisewetterova and Jaka Kordiš
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutor: Aleks Tatic
Emails: klara.macek2[at]gmail.com, k_kiesewetterova[at]utb.cz and jaka.kordis[at]gmail.com

Pizza and Bread Kit: Reimagining the Home Pizza Experience by Matic Lesjak and Črt Štrubelj

"Developed in collaboration with Hisense, this project aimed to improve product functionality through in-depth research into user needs – focusing on home baking.

"Students observed that while pizza is widely loved, home ovens rarely deliver satisfying results. This led to a redesign of baking tools to enhance oven performance and make quality outcomes more accessible.

"The set includes: the PizzaPeel with a removable handle for shaping and baking; the PizzaTray with a copper core, radiator fins and temperature probe for precise heat control; and the PizzaBoard with an engraved guide for dough shaping."

"The result: crispier crusts, simpler handling and more consistent baking at home."

Students: Matic Lesjak and Črt Štrubelj
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutors: Rok Kuhar, Nina Mihovec and Jure Miklavc
Emails: crtstrubelj[at]outlook.com and matic.lesjak14[at]gmail.com

Kärcher 2wsa by Gal Grobovšek

"Developed through in-depth user, marketing, and functionality research, this project focuses on designing accessories for Kärcher, a German company specialising in cleaning equipment.

"The Kärcher 2WSA is a two-way hose splitter and pressure adjuster that connects two hoses to a single power washer, allowing independent control of water pressure.

"With a focus on supporting shared use between adults and children, it enables younger users to join in and learn by doing – safely and alongside a parent.

"More than just a gadget, the 2wsa serves as an educational tool, introducing children to the importance of safety, cleanliness and a strong work ethic.

"For busy parents, it creates a chance to spend meaningful time with their child during formative years."

Student: Gal Grobovšek
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutors: Rok Kuhar, Nina Mihovec and Jure Miklavc
Email: gal.grobovsek[at]gmail.com

Kärcher Box – High-Pressure Washer Rental Service by Rin Togo

"Kärcher Box is an innovative service designed to make Kärcher's high-pressure washers more accessible.

"Based on extensive research into user habits, market needs and product functionality, this design-led solution offers a flexible and affordable on-demand service – particularly suited to urban dwellers with limited storage space at home.

"The process is simple: users reserve a washer via a dedicated app and collect it from a distinctive yellow box located at local stores, including petrol stations and supermarkets.

"The boxes also stock detergents tailored to specific cleaning tasks."

Student: Rin Togo
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutors: Rok Kuhar, Nina Mihovec and Jure Miklavc
Email: r.aiueo.n.529[at]gmail.com

What Remains? A Material Inquiry into Burial Practices by Jaka Kordiš, Matic Lesjak and Črt Štrubelj

"What Remains? is a speculative and material design project that reimagines burial as an act of returning our resources into the ground.

"Instead of using urns made from extractive materials, it asks: what if we allowed the body itself to return as material?

"The project proposes using the resources of the deceased, specifically blood and hair, to form a biodegradable urn.

"Through coagulation, dehydration and compression, the students created a 'plastic like' composite that gently breaks down over time.

"Not meant to preserve, but to honour, the urn invites us to reflect on how we mourn, what we leave behind and how we might approach death with care and humility."

Students: Jaka Kordiš, Matic Lesjak and Črt Štrubelj
Course: Industrial Design (MA)
Tutors: Tamara Lašič Jurković, Jure Miklavc, Barbara Predan, Tim Prezelj and Barbara Prinčič
Email: whatremains.ul[at]gmail.com

Wildleaf – Wooden Action Toys by Mark Majcen and Ognjen Todorović

"Wildleaf is one of the outcomes of an interdisciplinary project aimed at developing new and innovative toys.

"The project brought together students and mentors from product design and illustration to explore playful ways of reconnecting children with the natural world.

"The Wildleaf collection features four wooden figures inspired by forest life – mushrooms, insects and animals – designed to bring nature closer to children through imaginative play.

"Each figure is composed of ball-joint modules, allowing children to assemble and pose them in various ways. Crafted from beech wood, the toys are durable, easy to produce and safe for children."

Students: Mark Majcen and Ognjen Todorović
Course: Industrial Design (BA) and Illustration (BA)
Tutors: Jure Miklavc and Marija Nabernik
Email: todorovic.ognjen16[at]gmail.com

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and University of Ljubljana. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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