By Asst. Prof. Dale Konstanz

An executive of Mahidol University International College (MUIC) showcased a collaborative project at the prestigious Milan Design Week, taking place from April 7-13, 2025.

Asst. Prof. Dale Konstanz, Associate Dean of International Affairs and a faculty member of the Communication Design Program (CDP), prepared a booth featuring street photographs created by participants in workshops, along with demonstration videos,  teaching materials, as well as the branding of the project at BASE Milano in the “We Will Design 2025: Making Kin” show. This significant participation highlights MUIC’s commitment to fostering global collaborations that integrate design, education, and community engagement.

The C.A.M. (Capture A Moment) Project, a result of a partnership between Asst. Prof. Konstanz and Asst. Prof. Dr. Matthew Ferguson, Chair of the Humanities and Language Division (HLD) at MUIC, has been developed with the assistance of both CDP and HLD students. Supported by an MUIC teaching and learning grant, the initiative is designed as an educational tool aimed at empowering youth through the medium of street photography.

At its core, the project seeks to teach young people how to use photography as a means of engaging with their communities. By capturing images in public spaces, participants are encouraged to reflect on their environment, observe the unnoticed details around them, and connect with others in meaningful ways. This practice aims to foster heightened awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of their surroundings, all while learning the art of visual storytelling.

Street photography, often considered a powerful medium for capturing real-life moments and stories, is the perfect vehicle for such engagement. Through this educational tool, students and youth will gain both technical photography skills and a broader cultural perspective, learning to see the world in new ways while also developing their ability to tell stories through images.

The collaboration between Asst. Prof. Dr. Ferguson and Asst. Prof. Konstanz was inspired by the growing need for innovative educational tools that not only teach technical skills but also enhance students’ social awareness. The participation of students from both the Communication Design Program and from the Humanities and Language Division underscores the interdisciplinary approach of the project.

“This project is a unique intersection of design, education, and community,” said Asst. Prof. Konstanz. “By bringing together the talents and perspectives of students, we’ve created something that doesn’t just teach a technical skill like photography—it encourages students to reflect on their role in their community and the world around them. It’s a meaningful way to use design as a tool for social change and awareness.”

The collaboration highlights the global reach of MUIC’s faculty and their dedication to producing work that resonates with international audiences. Milan Design Week, renowned for its celebration of creativity and innovation, serves as the perfect platform for this project to gain exposure and inspire others to explore the potential of design as an educational and societal tool.

As Asst. Prof. Konstanz and his team showcase their work at Milan Design Week, they are not only contributing to a global conversation on the role of design in society but are also reinforcing MUIC’s position as a leader in international education and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This project, which emphasizes the transformative power of street photography, invites youth to look at their environment through a new lens, cultivating a deeper connection to the world and to one another.

Milan Design Week 2025 promises to be a milestone event for both the participants and the audience, highlighting how design can shape the future of education and community engagement in profound ways.

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About the Author

Asst. Prof. Dale Konstanz is MUIC’s Associate Dean for International Affairs and a faculty member of the Communication Design Program.