Polyhedric and Polytechnic

This chapter offers a reflective and first-hand account of a complex design ecosystem’s emergence, emphasizing its collective and incremental nature. Rather than following a predefined plan, the process unfolded through an adaptive and opportunistic approach, shaped by scarce resources, continuous negotiation, and the ability to mobilize diverse competences. Central to this narrative is a polyhedric disposition, expressed in the capacity to connect heterogeneous domains—ranging from artistic experimentation to technological and cultural inquiry—into a coherent yet open system. This transversality enabled the construction of a dynamic framework integrating education, research, and broader societal interactions. The chapter also highlights the tension between vision and constraint, portraying design as a discipline that must negotiate its academic positioning while preserving its project-oriented nature.