Dezeen School Shows: stainless steel sugar dispensers are among the experimental projects that challenge the dominance of western design paradigms by students at Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey.

Also featured are tea infusers informed by balloon vendors and a sewing kit repurposed from a vintage soda bottle.

Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

Institution: Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras metáforas)
Tutors: Ayrton Miranda, Claudia Kleemann, Alejandro Díaz, Alejandro Fernández, Mario Martínez, Alejandra Caballero, Tania Muñoa, Nancy Terán, Mariano García, Montserrat Castañón, Alberto Mendoza, Ana Elena Mallet and José de la O

School statement:

"Otras Metáforas challenges the dominance of western design paradigms by reclaiming vernacular knowledge as a vital source of inspiration. As technology accelerates homogenisation, design risks losing touch with the cultural contexts that give it meaning.

"In response, design students from Tec de Monterrey's campuses in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey and Querétaro translate everyday metaphors and local traditions into contemporary objects through research and material experimentation, balancing craft and industrial manufacturing.

"Presented as a vibrant mercado, the exhibition invites global audiences to engage in an exchange of ideas, envisioning a future where cultural diversity expands the possibilities of design."

Apapacho (Snuggle) by Michelle Díaz Melo, Diana Hernández López and Valeria Romero Rocha

"Rooted in the Náhuatl concept of apapacho – a heartfelt embrace – this textile collection offers comfort and emotional connection.

"Featuring a scarf, jacket and blanket that transform into cushions, its modular design evokes the sensation of a hug. Soft fleece and padded filling recreate warmth, turning everyday objects into acts of care."

Students: Michelle Díaz Melo, Diana Hernández López and Valeria Romero Rocha
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras metáforas)

Baile (dance) by Jimena Elías León

"Inspired by the lively traditional dances held in Mexican kiosks, these rotating sugar dispensers bring movement, joy and functionality to the kitchen.

"Made from food-grade stainless steel with a polished mirror finish, their spinning mechanism prevents clumping, keeping sugar loose and ready to use. Echoing festive memories, they transform an everyday ritual into a celebration of culture and tradition."

Student: Jimena Elías León
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras metáforas)

Comda (feast) by Oziel Cruz Mata, Regina Alfaro Medina and Priscilla Badillo Maislin

"Rooted in the vibrancy of Mexican feasts, this design celebrates the energy and spontaneity of gathering around food.

"The set, consisting of a base and two clay pieces (salt and pepper shakers), is crafted using traditional mould casting techniques to achieve precise yet expressive forms.

"Inspired by the dynamic interactions of a lively table, its shapes and materials reflect the richness of Mexican traditions, turning each meal into a festive, sensorial experience where the ordinary becomes extraordinary."

Students: Oziel Cruz Mata, Regina Alfaro Medina and Priscilla Badillo Maislin
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras Metáforas)

Teléfono Público (public phone) by Mariana Cano Manzanarez, José Emiliano Rosillo and Suzan Arusyag Avitoglu Buenfil

"Inspired by the spontaneous repurposing of phone booths in Mexico City – now liminal spaces where discarded objects exist between trash and purpose – this design brings the concept into the home.

"These post-optimal and para-functional pieces serve as temporary resting places for belongings. Made from anodised aluminium, they explore the balance between holding on and letting go."

Students: Mariana Cano Manzanarez, José Emiliano Rosillo and Suzan Arusyag Avitoglu Buenfil
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras Metáforas)

Tanteo (guesstimate) by Aremy Beltrán, Emylen Gutiérrez and Jesús Ordaz

"This design reclaims Mexico's intuitive kitchen measurements, giving them prominence in a world dominated by western standards. Reinvented as borosilicate glass measuring spoons, their transparency highlights the value of ingredients.

"Abbreviations like Pizca (Pzc.), Puñado (Pñd.) and Chorrito (Chrrt.) celebrate culinary heritage, affirming tradition's place in modern cooking."

Students: Aremy Beltrán, Emylen Gutiérrez and Jesús Ordaz
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras Metáforas)

Ingenio (Ingenuity) by Mariana Loya Mendez, Laura Flores Sánchez and Valery Vargas Valencia

"Mexican ingenuity thrives in resilience, adaptation and flexibility – turning everyday moments into acts of creativity. This spirit inspires a modular snack set that transforms effortlessly, serving as a tray, coaster, vase, or even a new tradition, like offering mazapans to guests.

"Rooted in Talavera craftsmanship, it reimagines heritage through reinvention, blending tradition with modern versatility."

Students: Mariana Loya Mendez, Laura Flores Sánchez and Valery Vargas Valencia
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras Metáforas)

Tortilla de Harina (flour tortilla) by Emma Villaverde López, Tanya Ibet Lozano Mejía and María Fernanda Novelo Ramírez

"Inspired by the versatility of tortilla dough – moulding effortlessly into the hand – this design enhances grip and interaction in the kitchen, especially for children.

"The design prompts a playful experience when cooking and can be used as a tool for everyday use."

Students: Emma Villaverde López, Tanya Ibet Lozano Mejía and María Fernanda Novelo Ramírez
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras Metáforas)

Botella en Varilla (bottle on rebar) by Isabel Regina Preciado Santa Ana

"Inspired by the Mexican ingenuity of placing glass bottles over exposed rebar in construction, this design transforms a common yet misguided protective gesture into a functional object.

"Reinterpreting the curves of vintage soda bottles, it becomes a sewing kit – integrating a pin cushion and thread spools in polished aluminium."

Student: Isabel Regina Preciado Santa Ana
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras metáforas)

Biznaga by Aylinn Iglesias Carré, María Fernanda Marrocco Zertuche and Andrea Herrera Hernández

"Inspired by the biznaga del yeso, an endangered cactus native to Nuevo León that thrives in extreme climates, this kitchen set is designed for children with visual impairments.

"Its adapted forms promote motor skills and independence, echoing the plant's resilience by empowering users to navigate their surroundings with confidence."

Students: Aylinn Iglesias Carré, María Fernanda Marrocco Zertuche and Andrea Herrera Hernández
Course: Other Metaphors (Otras Metáforas)

Globero (Balloon man) by Natalia Maria Diaz Siqueiros

"Inspired by El Globero – the balloon vendor who brings colour and joy to Mexican plazas, a familiar figure in parks selling balloons to children – this set of five stainless steel tea infusers reinterprets his floating creations.

"Each piece captures the lightness of his craft, turning tea-making into a ritual of play and nostalgia."

Student: Natalia Maria Diaz Siqueiros
Course: Otras Metáforas (Other Metaphors)

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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