UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 26 JANUARY 2012
Design-led businesses have linked up with students from Birmingham City University to help predict future trends – and wowed visitors at a national industry showcase.
Birmingham City University students showcased their cutting-edge concepts at the Interiors 2012 at the Birmingham NEC, attracting attention from the best in the interior design industry on a quest to find new ideas.
“There has been a real buzz around our exhibition – visitors recognise that, as students, we are coming into our professional self with new ideas and inspirations for the industry. It’s a very exciting experience,” said award-winning student Gemma Smith, now in her third year of a design course, specialising in printed textile.
Birmingham City University’s Trends project is part of a wider programme of engagement activity with industry, led by the University’s business-facing Birmingham Institute of Art and Design.
The annual showcase of new student talent has already launched a number of award-winning designers, including Emma Shipley, who scooped the John Lewis Emerging Designer accolade last year, Chelsea Flower Show exhibitor Suzi McLaughlin and interior designer Suberna Begum.
The 2012 project has linked up with Global ColorMix, Karndean Design flooring, mrf design ltd, Phoenix Tile Studio, Paul Margetts, Plant and Moss, Mobius Living, Alison Davies, The Chair people and The Wenlock Box Company. During the exhibition, Global ColorMix recognised outstanding student work with a series of special awards.
Joanna Birch, Head of External Development at Birmingham City University, said: “Integrating student design teams in the real world of business has been successfully applied by Birmingham City University – and this was very much the case for the Trends Exhibition with interior design students working with a number of commercial partners.
“Our Trends showcase often makes interior designers and manufacturers realise the power of students to stimulate their product innovation.
“With a downturn in the economy many businesses are looking for fresh inspiration but may not have the investment to develop the exciting products needed to attract more customers. Working with student talent is therefore an ideal solution.”
Taking inspiration from history, the University’s Trends showcase looks forward to interior trends next winter – including a Georgian inspired theme.
“Design ideas were based on two concepts – ‘ember’ and ‘tender’ which have been identified by international trend experts Global ColorMix,” explained said Joanna.
“The exhibition featured two carefully crafted room sets and presents over 20 new design concepts featuring the blaze of autumnal warmth of the ‘ember’ trend, juxtaposed with the Georgian-inspired ‘tender’ trend.
“Intended to encourage discussion, the room sets and spinning sample walls are aimed at showcasing the range of ideas that could well be injected into next year’s interiors products.
“Having already worked with internationally recognised brands like the Natural History Museum and Hartman UK (2), one of the UK leaders in garden furniture, we know how powerful this think-tank of inspiration can be in re-energising product design in a cost effective manner.”
For more details about Birmingham Institute of Art and Design and their work with industry go to http://www.bcu.ac.uk/business/consultancy-and-partnerships