IU Internationale Hochschule, Studiengang Architektur

Design with Impact

The exhibition Design with Impact – Studentische Arbeiten showcases student work from the fields of media design and architecture that highlights societal challenges and explores creative solutions. As part of WDC 2026, IU International University is presenting projects that focus on social responsibility, critical reflection and sustainable transformation.

The media design contributions range from campaigns against digital violence and deepfakes, through concepts on body norms, feminist visibility and digital self-presentation, to projects on health communication and education. They demonstrate how design conveys knowledge, broadens perspectives and sparks social discourse.

In the field of architecture, the focus is on participatory processes, sustainable building and dealing with vacant properties. Under the research framework Urban Vacancies, repurposing concepts for churches, school buildings, indoor swimming pools and other existing structures are presented – as examples of resource-efficient, community-oriented urban development.

The exhibition highlights how students understand design as a social practice: experimental, responsible and forward-looking. Visitors are invited to experience design as a catalyst for change and as a tool for a sustainable future.

The exhibition is open from Thursday 11 June to Sunday 14 June, from 2 pm to 6 pm each day. We cordially invite you to the opening on Friday, 12 June, from 8.00 pm – it will take place following the panel discussion ‘Analogue Meets AI’ (link to  https://wdc2026.org/en/events/analog-trifft-ai ). Visitors are invited to continue the dialogue between design, research and social responsibility through direct discussion.