Swiss Embassy Joins Forces with AOD for a Design-led Approach in an Inspiring Collaboration
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(From the right: Carolina Caroprese, AOD’s Visual Communication lecturer, Joaquim Meirelles, AOD Visual Communication Student, Dr. Siri Walt, Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Linda Speldewinde, Founder of AOD)
The Swiss Embassy invited AOD for an electric tuk tuk branding initiative, portraying how good design can be used to drive impactful messaging while encouraging young Sri Lankans to use their creativity to inspire sustainability on Colombo streets.
The Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka has collaborated with AOD on a dynamic student-led project to reimagine the branding of an electric tuk tuk together with Codegen @Elektrateq who also not only provided the tuktuk but also facilitated the design process. Designed to amplify sustainable mobility and celebrate Sri Lanka–Switzerland relations, the project reflects the Embassy’s commitment to “creativity, innovation and collaboration”—values that resonate strongly with AOD’s mission.
In an official invitation, Dr. Siri Walt, Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, noted, “We celebrate the collaborative spirit that made this project possible, and recognise the creative contribution of AOD and its students.” Upon its unveiling, the fully branded tuk tuk made a symbolic journey—from the Swiss Embassy to AOD, and then to the Swiss Residence on Thurstan Road—on 22 July 2025. The event marked a celebration of design inspiring sustainability, complete with remarks from the Swiss Ambassador, representation from AOD and the Swiss Embassy, and a networking reception.
The outcome is not only the strikingly branded Swiss Embassy electric tuk tuk now sparking inspiration along Colombo streets, but also a vibrant example of how design can be a potent approach to achieve impactful messaging.
A Partnership Forged to Inspire Sustainability
The project commenced when the Swiss Embassy invited AOD to a competition to brand its new Etuk tuk, aiming at inspiring Sri Lanka to reduce its dependence on fossil-fuel vehicles. The brief came with real stakes: a LKR 150,000 prize and the chance for students to see their work executed at full scale and publicly showcased.
AOD’s Visual Communication lecturer, Carolina Caroprese, embraced the challenge with the students—translating it from an academic exercise into a live design project. AOD introduced the brief to its Visual Communication students and guided them through idea generation, visual research, and iteration. The winning concept, created by student Joaquim, emerged as both technically and conceptually resonant—merging Swiss visual identity with Colombo’s urban fabric. Under Caroprese’s mentorship, Joaquim’s design was refined to meet Embassy standards for brand consistency, colour fidelity, graphical accuracy, and application across curved surfaces.
(From the left: Dr. Siri Walt, Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives, Joaquim Meirelles, AOD Visual Communication Student, Linda Speldewinde, Founder of AOD, Nilmini Jayasinghe, CEO of AOD)
“From the outset, we contextualised the Embassy’s visual identity and communication goals, serving as a bridge between their expectations and the students’ creative exploration. AOD facilitated design development and selection, offering feedback and mentoring to refine ideas for presentation. Once Joaquim’s design was selected, we worked closely with him to ensure technical accuracy and brand alignment across every detail—from colour consistency to graphical precision—overseeing coordination and time management to deliver a highquality, realworld outcome,” added Caroprese.
Dr. Siri Walt, Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka and Maldives
Joaquim found it essential to showcase Switzerland’s outstanding natural beauty and, more importantly, the synergy between mankind and nature: “The entirety of the livery sports a mountain in the background that is transposed with people and machinery. This scene of harmony encapsulates the spirit of the E-tuk used as a replacement for gas-guzzling cars which deepen the rift between mankind and the natural environment. My aim with this graphic representation of unity is to convey this message to all who see the tuk on the streets of Colombo.”
This collaboration between the Swiss Embassy and AOD underscores how design can act as a bridge between environmental concern and public engagement.
Design to Communicate a Public-facing Vision for Sustainability
This collaborative design project not only elevated a public-facing sustainability vision—it demonstrates how practical design education can guide the country’s creative talent.
For the young students engaged in the project, this was more than an academic exercise—it presented a real chance to be seen, heard, and remembered in public recognition.
The project sends a powerful message: creativity is not a fringe pursuit—it is a discipline that holds a space in diplomacy and sustainability.
As the ETuk Tuk cruises through Colombo streets, it carries more than branding—it carries inspiration to accelerate Sri Lanka toward a future of creativity-led sustainable growth, supported by integration of global partners such as the Swiss Embassy—aided by capable young designers who can create with intent, influence, and impact.
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