A MATTER OF HEART: TECHNOLOGY MEETS HUMANITY

Lasers burn fine lines into wooden panels, the smell of plywood and concentrated tension fills the room. 15 students from class 6A of the BG/BRG Kufstein are immersing themselves in the world of digital manufacturing in the Makers Lab II at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol - and preparing something very special in the process: Heart pendants that will later be given to children, senior citizens and people with disabilities as part of an intergenerational project.

"We use the laser cutter to cut out hearts from plywood, which are then painted and finished in the kindergarten," explains Lucia, one of the participants. The activity is part of the Herzlichkeiten project, which was initiated by teacher Gabriele Krimbacher - a real heart project.

CO-OPERATION AT EYE LEVEL

The visit to the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol was organised by Markus Ehrlenbach, MSc, university lecturer for design/additive manufacturing and head of Makers Lab II, who supervised the students and personally introduced them to the basics of laser cutting. The young people were able to independently prepare graphics, convert files and observe how their designs were cut out of the wood with millimetre precision.

"The enthusiasm was immediately noticeable," says Ehrlenbach. "For many, it was their first contact with this technology. It was all the better that they experienced how quickly and creatively you can create something meaningful with digital tools."

TECHNOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR HUMANITY

What makes them special: The hearts are not just handicrafts - they have a purpose. Decorated by kindergarten children, they will be handed over to three social institutions in winter: the children's ward at Kufstein District Hospital, Lebenshilfe Kufstein and the Kufstein retirement home.

"It's so nice to work together with different generations," says pupil Sarah. "And knowing that the hearts we make bring joy to others is simply fulfilling - especially in our often stressful school day."

Teacher Gabriele Krimbacher confirms: "Our aim is to make the beauty of togetherness visible - and to bring joy to someone who doesn't even expect it." For her, it is important that pupils experience how much they can achieve through small gestures.

A MOMENT OF SURPRISE WITH A BIG IMPACT

An emotional highlight for the students: the small surprise gift from their teacher. Each of them received a necklace with a heart pendant - as a symbol of what they will pass on in the project. "The joy was huge," says Krimbacher. "It's just nice when commitment and passion shine back."

Looking ahead: MORE THAN A ONE-OFF VISIT

The "Herzlichkeiten" project will run for the entire 2025/26 school year, with further visits to Makers Lab II planned to produce additional hearts. A craft day at the Kufstein Stadt kindergarten is planned for the autumn, followed by the ceremonial handover to the social institutions in December.

For Nermina, one of the pupils, one thing is clear: "There is so much love in the air with this project. You can just feel how much warmth is created when people work together."

FAZIT

The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol was not only the technical host, but also part of a project that shows how educational institutions can work together to create meaningful experiences. "It is the combination of creativity, social commitment and technology that makes this project special," says Markus Ehrlenbach. "And for us as a university of applied sciences, it's a pleasure to be able to make a contribution."

Links:

• Makers Lab II