"Letters Found Under the World-Tree": Awarded texts
Arbre et nuit étoilée, avec logo Plume
In collaboration with the student literary association Plume, EPFL’s Sustainability Unit co-organized a writing contest in French on the theme “Letters Found Under the World-Tree.” Four submissions captured the jury’s attention and were awarded prizes.
Connected to the “Arboreal Futures” exhibition running from November 13, 2024, to January 5, 2025, at EPFL Pavilions, the contest co-organized with Plume aimed to engage the student community in reflecting on living systems.
Poetic, mysterious, and engaged, the three winning letters impressed the jury with their elegant rhythm and bold metaphors. A fourth letter was awarded a special prize for originality.
The award ceremony took place on December 11 during the “Polytree Night” event in the presence of the jury, composed of Michaël Brasey, a computer science student and amateur writer; Michel Bourqui, founder of the Climanosco association behind the “Arboreal Futures” exhibition; Véronique Mauron Layaz, Head of Culture at the EPFL College of Humanities; and Mélanie Studer, Community Engagement Project Manager at EPFL Sustainability.
The authors of the three winning letters each received an Interrail voucher worth 159 francs, while the winner of the originality prize was presented with a garnished basket.
- Lettre trouvée sous (mon) Arbre Monde, byJérémy Baffou
- Une lettre encombrée d'espoir, by Clara Prêcheur Llarana
- Nouvelles de ton Arbre-Monde, by Kévin Rochat
- Lettre de la prophétesse, by Mael Denot (Originality Prize)
The award ceremony featured readings of the four winning letters, as well as a tree-themed quiz organized by the student association Triviapoly.