Design students transform symbols of Criciúma into souvenir proposals

Transforming references from Criciúma into products that can represent the city and accompany visitors in building memories. This is the proposal of the souvenir projects presented by students in the second phase of the Design course at Unesc on the evening of this Tuesday (11/3). By exploring new possibilities for local tourism, the activity connects academic training with a demand from the municipality.

The presentation marked the first stage of the work, with proposals in digital format. The iconography of Criciúma guides the creations. "The work allows students to experience product development stages based on a concrete demand. The initial evaluation of the projects will help refine the proposals before physical production," emphasizes the coordinator of the Design course at Unesc, João Luis Rieth.

According to Unesc's Vice-Rector for Education, Graziela Giacomazzo, the activity connects academic learning to real situations and broadens the understanding of professional possibilities in design. The proposal also involves research, studying the city, and analyzing the needs of the public.

"When we talk about Unesc as a Community University, we understand academic training beyond the walls of the Institution. A project that involves the community and the city also responds to our commitment to the professional and human development of students," she highlights.

Products that represent the city

The creation of souvenirs integrates the perspectives of municipal tourism development. The Secretary of Tourism of Criciúma, Marcos Mendonça, emphasizes the importance of offering products that convey local characteristics and references. "What tourist doesn’t want to take a souvenir home? About 15 years ago, tourism was hardly mentioned in Criciúma. Those who came to the city had other reasons, but rarely came as tourists. Today, we are recognized as the Capital of Urban Parks in Santa Catarina, with spaces like the City Hall Park, the Nations Park, the Immigrants Park in Rio Maina, and the Congress Square, which receive a large flow of visitors," he emphasizes.

The proposal is to advance in creating unique souvenirs and, in the future, expand the offering of souvenirs in the parks. The idea includes commercial spaces, such as small shops set up in containers, with food options and products that represent Criciúma. We want visitors to have the opportunity to take a piece of the city home. 

Training connected to the market

The pedagogical advisor of the Area of Sciences, Engineering, and Technologies (CET) at Unesc, Paula Tramontim Pavei, also highlights the contribution of partnerships to academic training. In the second phase of the course, students already encounter real challenges, broadening their understanding of professional opportunities.

"This greatly enhances the training and allows for understanding design as a field of action also in tourism. These experiences bring students closer to the market and expand their vision of professional possibilities in the area," she states.