First-year students on the Master's Degree in Design — Interior Design at ESAD — Escola Superior de Artes e Design (Higher School of Arts and Design) developed a new self-build workshop, as part of the 2025 edition of the Espinho International Animation Film Festival — CINANIMA, which opened friday, 7th of november.

Based on the extensive experience of ESAD teachers in this area, recognised for their pioneering role in the development of self-build and spatial intervention practices, the students were challenged by the festival organisers to design and build three structures that contribute to the identity and welcoming atmosphere of the event.

The proposals developed include:

• a seating area, consisting of a set of 12 modular benches that can be assembled in different spatial configurations;
• a totem with a signage and landmark function, designed to reinforce the visual identification of the festival;
• and a support counter, intended for check-in and merchandising sales for CINANIMA.

The initiative is coordinated by lecturers Maria Milano and João Gomes, with technical assistance from José Castro and Daniel Carneiro, and is part of the practical methodology of the master's degree, which promotes learning through real project and construction contexts.