In this project, we began by exploring the concept of “courage,” a term given to us by our instructor. At the outset, as a group of four members from Iran, Turkey, Poland, and South Korea—each of us coming from countries with long histories of struggle for democracy—our understanding of freedom was closely tied to political and social liberty. We each carried the weight of our national histories, where battles for democratic rights shaped our perception of what it meant to be free.

However, throughout the course of the project, our understanding of freedom evolved and deepened. We realized that freedom is not only a political or social condition but also a personal, inner state. It is a feeling that arises within the mind and heart of an individual. One can live in a democratic society and yet feel constrained, confined, or psychologically unfree. True freedom, we discovered, exists within, transcending borders and political systems—it is the courage to liberate oneself internally.

For us, courage and freedom became synonymous: courage is the act of embracing this inner liberation, of confronting our internal limitations, and allowing ourselves to experience authentic freedom regardless of external circumstances.

Our project was selected for Milan Design Week 2025 and exhibited at one of the most significant locations in the historic center of Milan: Piazza Litta, making our exploration of courage and freedom visible to an international audience.