Nominator: Susanne Lippitsch

Nominator's statement

I had the pleasure of meeting Benjamin as a lecturer during his design studies at the FH-Joanneum in Graz, and I am delighted to be able to nominate him. I find his ‘bee cap’ solution particularly noteworthy; it gives an existing packaging element used to open drinks cans an extended, absolutely sensible new – life-saving – function. He also manages to design this function in such a way that it communicates without words – that’s how good packaging design works!

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WASP CAP

Wasp Cap addresses a common but often overlooked problem: open beverage cans attract insects, posing a potential safety risk. The project proposes a minimal intervention to the standard can opening, reducing the likelihood of insects entering unnoticed.

Instead of adding a separate accessory, the solution is integrated directly into the existing opening mechanism. A small, intuitive element partially covers the opening while still allowing comfortable drinking. This maintains the familiar use of the can while introducing an additional layer of safety.

Developed as part of an one-afternoon design sprint, the project explores how small design adjustments can create meaningful improvements in everyday products without increasing complexity or material use.

SOL-V / 100% ON RENEWABLE ENERGYS

Sol-V / 100% on renewable energies explores how regional resources and renewable energy systems can shape new forms of mobility in sensitive landscapes. Developed for Lake Neusiedl, the project responds to fluctuating water levels and the need for low-impact transportation.

The ferry is designed as a lightweight, shallow-draft vessel powered primarily by solar energy, complemented by locally generated wind energy. Its construction considers material efficiency and durability, while the energy concept aims to operate as independently as possible from external infrastructure.

Beyond a single product, the project proposes a broader mobility system that connects local energy resources with transportation. It investigates how design can contribute to resilient, site-specific solutions by combining ecological awareness with technical feasibility.

LAYERED LIGHT

Layered Light explores the structural and atmospheric qualities of corrugated cardboard as a lighting material. By stacking and rotating layers, the material itself becomes a light filter, revealing its internal structure while creating a warm, textured glow.

A key aspect of the project is its construction: the lamp is assembled without glue. Instead, a simple system of metal rods holds all elements in place, allowing the object to be fully disassembled into its individual parts. This enables clean material separation and supports a circular lifecycle.

Developed as a prototype, the project investigates how accessible materials and precise construction can lead to sustainable lighting solutions that combine material expression, functionality, and reversibility.