Cyberpunk-Inspired Anniversary Box for Politecnico Calzaturiero

Description

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Politecnico Calzaturiero, Design Associati, in collaboration with BASF, has conceived a limited-edition commemorative box that merges tradition and technology, honoring a century of footwear innovation.

The design draws from cyberpunk aesthetics, blending analog and digital sensibilities in a single tactile experience. The outer shell is crafted in fluorescent plexiglass, providing luminous effect and visual depth. Beneath, a layer of holographic paper evokes a shifting digital landscape, capturing light, color, and movement.

Inside, the box conceals a miniature 3D-printed sole component, bridging the legacy of artisanal shoemaking with contemporary additive manufacturing techniques. This micro-model becomes a poetic emblem of how future designers can synthesize craftsmanship and innovation.

Accompanying the box is a brochure that showcases the award-winning student projects. Its layout and printing echo the box design, using matching materials (plexiglass / holographic paper) and graphic treatments to create a cohesive narrative.

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Technical Details & Materials

• Cover materials: Fluorescent plexiglass, chosen for its translucency and ability to glow under light, adding a futuristic accent.
• Paper layer: Holographic paper for its optical play, reflecting shifting hues and digital energy.
• 3D-printed insert: A small shoe-sole fragment realized in 3D printing, symbolizing the intersection of traditional footwear manufacture and advanced technologies.
• Brochure: Custom printed to harmonize with the box, integrating the same visual materials and treatments, and housing the student competition works.

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Narrative & Intent

This project is more than a commemorative piece. It is a metaphor in three dimensions: a century-old institution embracing the frontiers of design, material science, and technology. The 3D-printed sole serves as a physical manifesto: the next generation of footwear designers can use digital fabrication as a tool, not a replacement, to enrich creative possibilities.

The interplay of light, transparency, and reflective surfaces draws the viewer into a world where past and future coexist. The box becomes a portal—illuminated, multidimensional, and full of symbolic resonance.

#cyberpunk #graphicdesign #futurecraft #materialdesign #3Dprinting #basf #politecnicocalzaturiero #designassociati