University News Last updated 24 June 2013
Green fingered art and design students from Birmingham City University have been putting their creative skills into practice by producing a series of eye-catching doors for this year’s BBC Gardeners World Live exhibiton.
Ten students from fine art, textiles, jewellery and visual communication courses at Birmingham Institute of Art and Design (BIAD) were tasked with generating a variety of interesting design ideas for front doors, which were then showcased as part of the ‘Designer Doorsteps’ feature at the BBC Gardeners World Live event at Birmingham’s NEC earlier this month.
The students used a variety of mediums to create their designs and were supported by MA Course Director Professor Andrew Kulman and Charmaine Stint from the University’s Research, Innovation and Enterprise team.
I think all the students should be proud of the original ideas they brought to the task and I'm proud to have been involved."
Professor Andrew Kulman
Professor Kulman said: “This is a win win situation; the project was not only a well -timed opportunity for students, particularly those nearing completion of their studies, but also a genuine cross-faculty enterprise.
“Being offered such a high profile task - with clients such as the BBC and Royal Horticultural Society - the finished work was seen by tens of thousands of people and must be seen as an important professional step by those taking part."
Garden Designer and BBC Gardeners World presenter Joe Swift selected Fine Art graduate Will Kew as the overall winner of the competition. Both Joe and the Royal Horticultural Society’s show organisers commented on the high standard of student work on display and found it hard to pick a winner.
The door designs were displayed alongside planting displays from a range of exhibitors at the show as well as the Royal Horticultural Society’s Birmingham Shows’ Team.
Industry collaborations highlight the practical applications of Birmingham City University student’s work, highlighting the benefits of student collaboration with industry partners interested in exploring innovative concepts. This project is part of a wider programme of activity of engagement with industry, led by the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design and supported by the Research, Innovation and Enterprise Department.