Industry

The Fashion and Textiles team is keen to hear from businesses who want to work with us. Read our case studies find out how they have helped in industry.

Trend-setting students help forecast the future

A project called Trends 2011 saw BIAD students conceptualise the next big theme in home interiors with their partners in industry.

The BIAD team worked alongside UBM Live, the country’s largest interiors exhibitor; Global Color Research and Mix Publications, the international trends prediction agency; and international wall covering manufacturer Tektura.

A total of 120 students and 10 academics worked together to test four trends presented by Global Color Research and Mix.

The team interpreted the forecasted trends Spirit, Whisper, Genteel and Risk, and encapsulated them through a fusion of textile, product and surface finishes.

They were then showcased at the Trends 2011 exhibition at the high-profile NEC Interiors Birmingham event.

The project produced a number of phenomenal results, including the creation of digitally created wallpapers that have featured in some of the UK’s leading up-market design exhibitions.

Trends 2010 highlights the huge potential of industry and education collaborating together to deliver innovative, dynamic solutions in a cost effective way. 

“As global colour trend experts, Global Color Research and Mix Publications take every opportunity to work with future designers. That’s why we are glad to continue our partnership with the students of Birmingham City University, as their high levels of creativity and design output always provide for an exciting and unique experience in bringing our trends to life. It’s always good to see students who embrace new technological developments within the design industry as it assists their learning and provides us with insight into the technological developments that they so love to embrace.”

Carolina Calzada-Oliveira
Marketing Manager, Global Color Research and Mix Publications

In 2011, we are collaborating with a range of design companies including Glassdomain Ltd, Hille Educational Products Ltd, Maher Reynolds Furniture Ltd and Sitting Firm Interiors Ltd as well as Tektura. We are transferring student concepts into workable products, interpreting Mix Trends. Go to our news page to find out more.

Find out how you can work with BIAD, call 0121 331 5252 or email us.

We have also worked with:

The Natural History Museum