Elisava Alumni Gonçalo Salgado and Jan Sobyra have been awarded the Young Talent prize in the category Master’s & Postgraduate Programs > Graphic Design at the LAUS 2025 Awards, thanks to their final Master’s project Heroes of Petanca. This award, one of the most prestigious in the national graphic design scene, recognizes emerging talents in the field each year.

Heroes of Petanca

Heroes of Petanca was created with a clear goal: to update the image of a traditional sport and revitalize its role in today’s urban life. Although Petanca has a rich history and is played by communities around the world, in recent decades its presence has declined, partly due to the perception that it’s an “older people’s game,” disconnected from the dynamics and interests of younger generations.

Salgado and Sobyra’s project addresses this issue and proposes a fresh approach to attract new audiences. Their concept combines design strategy, visual communication, and community activation to restore Petanca’s inclusive, intergenerational, and social essence.

Sport, community, and design

In an urban context where free and accessible activities — especially for older people — are increasingly rare, Petanca offers significant advantages: it’s easy to learn, low impact, and encourages social interaction. It also presents a great opportunity to reclaim the so-called third spaces — meeting places in the city beyond home and work.

Through Heroes of Petanca, Salgado and Sobyra have developed a program that promotes participation in amateur tournaments and community events, providing a safe environment where newcomers can learn from experienced players. At the same time, the project invites participants to explore Barcelona’s Petanca courts, bringing together design, local culture, and urban life.