De Muros a Marcas: Street Art’s Role in Design Education

Paul Joshua Martinez Calderon’s award-winning project bridges graffiti and academia.

Paul Joshua Martinez Calderon’s “De Muros a Marcas” project transforms perceptions of graffiti, turning it from an urban taboo into a celebrated teaching tool. Inspired by personal experiences in Huancayo, Peru, and exposure to vibrant street art scenes in Lima, Calderon developed an elective university course and an art book that demystify the relationship between street art and design. This initiative not only highlights the aesthetic value of graffiti but also explores its potential as a medium for social commentary and creative expression.

The course, structured over a standard university semester at Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, guides students through 15 sessions that blend practical projects with historical and contemporary insights. The art book, measuring 32 by 28 centimeters, features hand-drawn and digital illustrations created with alcohol-based markers, acrylic paints, and advanced design software such as Procreate and Adobe. These materials are complemented by A4-sized guides and templates, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for students both in class and at home.

Research for “De Muros a Marcas” involved extensive consultation with design professionals and students, as well as a review of literature on urban art’s communicative power. Surveys and interviews informed the curriculum, ensuring it remained both educational and engaging. A model class was piloted to assess the effectiveness of the approach, leading to refinements that enhanced its impact and reception among educators and learners alike.

One of the project’s central challenges was overcoming skepticism regarding street art’s legitimacy within academic and professional design circles. Calderon addressed this by developing a visually compelling syllabus and course materials that demonstrated the graphic sophistication and communicative strength of urban art. The result is a program that not only educates but also inspires students to view street art as a valuable resource for creative and socially relevant projects.

“De Muros a Marcas” has garnered significant recognition, earning a Bronze A' Design Award in Education, Teaching Aid, and Training Content Design in 2025. This accolade underscores the project’s technical and creative excellence, as well as its contribution to improving quality of life through innovative education. By bridging the gap between street art and academia, Calderon’s work sets a new standard for integrating urban creativity into design education.

As street art continues to evolve, initiatives like “De Muros a Marcas” pave the way for its acceptance as a legitimate and influential force in contemporary design, inspiring future generations to harness its power for artistic and social advancement.