Roca Around the World Special edition of jumpthegap®: practical solutions against contagion Roca adapts the traditional theme of the international design competition to give credit to innovative ideas focused on sanitation, hygiene and wellbeing in an environment deeply affected by COVID-19 Starting with the first competition held in 2004 andcontagion. Its design and operation turn throughout eight editions, the international designhandwashing into something fun for a specific competition jumpthegap® has supported the work segment of the population (aged 1 to 6), not used to of young architects and designers through the regular hygiene but with great transmitting power. recognition of innovative projects in the scope of theDesigned for nursery schools and children’s areas bathroom space. According to the foreseen (malls, hospitals, etc.), it also has an infrared sensor schedule, the ninth edition had to take place in 2020,to measure body temperature. but the exceptional situation caused by the spreadThe jury valued that “it does not force a certain of coronavirus has led to the calling of a specialbehavior, but channels it through games and edition of jumpthegap®, focused on gathering ideasenjoyment”, and responds to “the priority of finding that allow for optimum personal hygiene conditionsan efficient solution in school environments.” in any environment. Unlike the regular editions of the competition, which“E-Tapis”, by Hao Wang and Hanyuan Hu compile projects of a conceptual nature, jumpthegap®(Nanning, China). has requested projects that are feasible in the shortSmart shoe sole cleaner to be used in spaces that term. Thus, it aims to contribute in a practical mannerrequire special protection (hospitals, residences, to preventing the spread of coronavirus while offices, schools, etc.), in view of the fact that the virus disseminating the importance of maintaining optimumcan survive up to five days in footwear. The user personal hygiene in any circumstances. The stands on the indicated space and brushes with “E-Tapis” submission period has been reduced to 15 days and €1,000 have been awarded as prize money to each one of the five selected projects. This special edition of jumpthegap® has assessed 297 projects from 1,567 participants in 94 countries. In its general assessment, the jury has highlighted the effort made by all participants to integrate functionality and design, with feasible projects aimed at reducing the risk of contagion in public spaces. As usual, the jury has been made up of renowned professionals from the fields of architecture and design: Carl Hensman, Head of the Water, Sanitation & Hygiene Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (U.S.A.); Deborah Seward, director for Europe of the United Nations Information Centre (Belgium); Luciano Kruk, founder of Luciano Kruk Arquitectos (Argentina); Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, co-founders of WantedDesign (U.S.A.); Isabel Roig, executive director of BCD – Barcelona Design Center (Spain); Xavier Torras, Roca Communication and Brand Director (Spain); Jordi Corral, Roca Global Innovation Project Manager (Spain); and Ernest Hernandez, Roca Design Manager (Spain). In all editions held so far (eight standard and one special COVID-19), jumpthegap® has had more than 26,000 participants from 150 countries and has consolidated as a platform where international design and architecture students and professionals can show their talent by providing innovative solutions. Winning projects “Bubble Bump”, by Alina Pshenichnikova (Moscow, Russia). A device that automatically releases liquid disinfectant in the shape of soap bubbles to ensure that children keep their hands clean and free of the risk of “Bubble Bump” 6