ESAD – Polytechnic Institute of Leiria is widely recognized for its commitment to training talented artists and designers, while Natstone is an international leader in the production of innovative and sustainable building materials, particularly in the field of natural stone.

In this context, the collaboration between Natstone and ESAD has resulted in an innovative exercise conducted directly at the university, led by Natstone’s architect, Diogo Malanho. This exercise involves product design students who are dedicated to developing innovative projects focusing on the integration of natural stone as a sustainable material, whether on a micro or macro scale. With the knowledge gained and access to state-of-the-art technology and high-quality sustainable materials, students are creating innovative prototypes that explore the full potential of natural stones.

The next stage of this challenging exercise involved a visit to the Natstone factory, where students had the opportunity to understand the production of their innovative projects. They immersed themselves in the manufacturing process to grasp the resources required, both in terms of machinery and material knowledge, and witness the practical application of the theories they learned in the classroom.

Following the factory visit, students entered a third phase of the exercise, which included a discussion in the Natstone showroom about their projects. In this inspiring environment, students had the opportunity to present and debate their concepts and solutions with Natstone’s experts, further enriching their practical understanding of the application of natural stone in architecture and design projects.

Natstone reaffirmed its commitment to the training of the next generation of professionals, aligning with the company’s mission to promote sustainability in construction and design.

This partnership between Natstone and ESAD – Escola Superior de Artes e Design do Politécnico de Leiria is an excellent example of how collaboration between the private sector and academic institutions can create an enriching environment for students and contribute to the evolution of design and architecture disciplines. The combination of Natstone’s expertise in sustainable materials with ESAD’s academic excellence promises a positive transformation in the teaching and practice of these critical areas.

Together, we are shaping the future of design and architecture in Portugal.