With the return of offline RC activities and the influx of new students moving into the dorms, one thing became very clear: the halls of Appenzeller International House needed new decorations. The walls of the corridors had been left untouched for a couple of years, which made them appear plain and rather lifeless—contrary to the motto of Appenzeller International House, “The Good Life.” 

This prompted discussions about re-decorating the house with a design that welcomes incoming students. We decided to include as many of the students in the planning process as possible. The decorations would have to be easy to produce in order to maximise student participation and promote community spirit. What better way to make art fun and inclusive than making with the art of Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper into intricate sculptures?

With the help of 20 Appenzeller International House students, new decorations for the halls were made in the colours of country flags, a tribute to the diverse origins of our residents. Each student was required to complete at least 5 paper cranes by the end of the event, which ended up amounting to more than 100 cranes to decorate the walls. We hope that the students feel a sense of belonging in the international house when they notice their home country’s flag on the walls—something that had been achieved before with the world map adorning one of the floors of the House.

Perfect for a relaxing evening, the event saw students meet new people and bond over an artistic exchange of culture, while making their home for the semester a little more vibrant.

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