Celebrating Social Impact: Introducing the Social Design Distinctions

On March 6th, the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia will host the first edition of the Social Design Distinctions at Teatre El Musical in València. These awards aim to highlight the impact of design as a tool for social transformation. In this inaugural edition, the careers of Hilary Cottam and Manolo Bañó will be recognized for their contributions to social design, along with student projects “Fauna, the Toy of Natural Parks” by Juan Manuel Pedro Aránega and “Educational Environments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” by María José Bustos Garnica.

The Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia takes a step forward in the institutionalization of design by hosting the first edition of the Social Design Distinctions. This new initiative aligns with our commitment to the cultural and social promotion of design, as well as its contribution to strengthening and advancing the academic field. The recognition is divided into two professional distinctions and two awards for student projects, all linked to sustainability, social design, equality, innovation, ethics, and a strong commitment to design-driven change.

The selection process for these distinctions involved deliberation on strategic and policy-driven objectives, focusing on social design that addresses class and gender issues. Three key criteria were considered: the scope of professional impact, the significance of the projects, and the promotion of social design as a specialized discipline. Based on these criteria, the selection committee has chosen British social designer Hilary Cottam and Valencian designer Manolo Bañó as the recipients of the 2025 professional distinctions. The student distinctions will be awarded to “Fauna, the Toy of Natural Parks” by Juan Manuel Pedro Aránega from Escola d’Art i Superior de Disseny de Castelló and “Educational Environments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Design Criteria and Strategies” by María José Bustos Garnica from Universitat Politècnica de València.

To conclude the event, Manolo Bañó will deliver a keynote speech, sharing insights from his 25-year career dedicated to social design. His extensive experience as both a designer and educator has established him as one of Spain’s leading industrial designers.

The 2025 Social Design Distinctions ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 PM at Teatre El Musical (Plaça del Rosari 3, València). Admission is free, with prior registration required via the following form: https://fundaciodisseny.typeform.com/social2025

Local and International Recognition of Social Design

These distinctions are established as an annual initiative with the goal of serving as both a professional reference and an educational exercise for society. They send a universal message tied to social values while also acting as a catalyst for future generations. The selection committee—composed of Vicent Martínez, Amparo Bertomeu, and Pepe Cosín from the executive committee of the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia; Kike Correcher and Luis Calabuig as board members of the foundation; and external professionals Xènia Viladàs, Anatxu Zabalbeascoa, and Lilian González—chose Manolo Bañó and Hilary Cottam as the 2025 recipients, recognizing their global impact from a local and international perspective.

The committee was established by the foundation’s Board of Trustees and will invite prominent international figures each year to participate in selecting and honoring both professional designers and student projects. The foundation highlights the invaluable contributions of experts such as consultant and professor Xènia Viladàs, journalist, art historian, and design advocate Anatxu Zabalbeascoa, and Mexican designer Lilian González in launching this initiative.

Social Design from Valencian Schools and Universities

Additionally, the same selection committee reviewed over one hundred student submissions from various institutions and universities across the Region of Valencia over the past two years, ultimately selecting two outstanding projects. The organization specifically acknowledges the dedication of Valencian schools and the high quality of the final projects.

“Fauna, the Toy of Natural Parks” is the Bachelor’s Degree Final Project in Graphic Design by Juan Manuel Pedro Aránega from the Escola d’Art i Superior de Disseny de Castelló, supervised by Ester Parra Sebastià. The project proposes an educational and inclusive toy that connects the Natural Parks of Castellón with educational centers, going beyond one-time visits. Through a graphic system and an advertising campaign, it aims to position these spaces as key destinations for family leisure, integrating exercises and materials designed with educators to foster literacy, creativity, and motor skills, while ensuring classroom inclusivity. Additionally, the visual identity was developed in collaboration with students from CEE Baix Maestrat, validating its educational impact through workshops in schools.

Meanwhile, “Educational Environments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Design Criteria and Strategies” by María José Bustos Garnica is her Master’s Final Project for the Advanced Architecture, Landscape, Urbanism, and Design degree, supervised by José Luis Baró Zarzo and Ana Pascual Rubio at the School of Architecture of the Universitat Politècnica de València. This research examines how architecture influences the education of children with ASD, proposing design criteria that enhance their well-being and development. Given the lack of specific regulations, the project analyzes spatial, sensory, and emotional needs, evaluates existing adapted educational centers, and establishes strategies for more inclusive environments. Through a comprehensive approach, it extracts architectural guidelines that facilitate learning and autonomy, promoting accessible and universal architecture.

During the ceremony, special recognition will be given to the mentorship behind these student projects, as well as to their respective schools.

The design of the professional distinctions themselves will be unveiled during the event. These unique pieces have been created by Matterica, a Valencian studio that blends craftsmanship and design to produce jewelry that bridges tradition and modernity. Another Valencian company, the winery Dominio de la Vega, will provide the honorary wine reception following the awards ceremony, featuring its first organic wines—a project deeply rooted in sustainability and guided by designer Inma Bermúdez.

The ceremony is made possible thanks to the support and collaboration of the Cultural Action Delegation of the València City Council, Teatre El Musical (TEM), and Caixa Popular, a financial institution committed to promoting social values and fostering their development within the schools of the Region of Valencia.

· Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 PM
· Doors open at 7:30 PM
· Teatre El Musical (Plaça del Rosari 3, València)
· Free tickets and admission with registration at: https://fundaciodisseny.typeform.com/social2025

UPDATE: Read the coverage of the Distinctions ceremony > HERE