An important international recognition celebrates the talent of the students from the Visual Communication Design Department. The Bench Marks has been awarded a Wood Pencil at the D&AD New Blood Awards 2026, one of the world's most prestigious competitions dedicated to emerging talent in design, creativity and communication.

Organised by D&AD (Design and Art Direction), the New Blood Awards connect students, recent graduates and emerging creatives with industry briefs developed in collaboration with some of the world's leading brands and organisations. Projects are evaluated by a jury of internationally recognised industry professionals, while the Wood Pencil is awarded only to entries that demonstrate outstanding creative excellence, innovation and quality of execution.

More than 6,000 projects from schools and universities around the world were submitted for the 2026 edition, with only 120 receiving an award. Earning a Wood Pencil means standing out in an exceptionally competitive context and receiving one of the most prestigious international accolades for emerging creatives.

Developed in response to a brief set by Affinity and Canva, The Bench Marks addresses one of today's most pressing challenges: how design can encourage a return to authentic human interaction in an age shaped by digital hyperconnectivity.

The Bench Marks reimagines one of the most iconic elements of public space – the bench – transforming it into a platform for dialogue. Each bench is visually divided into two opposing sides representing different opinions, tastes or points of view. By choosing where to sit, people make their position visible, naturally sparking conversations, curiosity and new social connections.

Designed to adapt to different urban and cultural contexts, the project also encourages the direct involvement of local communities in creating new graphics and themes, transforming each installation into a space for participation and dialogue.

The project was developed by students Maximilian Gatev (Switzerland), Laura Medina (Colombia) and Oskar Bruun (Norway), under the guidance of tutors Andrea Bomentre and Elena Di Seclì, within the Visual Communication Design Department, led by Paola Rolli.

This achievement reflects the Department's educational approach, which encourages students to engage with real-world briefs and international design challenges while developing creative and strategic skills in close dialogue with the industry.