University News Last updated 13 June 2017
A final year textile student in Birmingham has had his design brought to life thanks to a blossoming partnership between Birmingham City University and IKEA.
The University approached the Swedish furniture giant earlier this year as part of its annual Trends Project, and IKEA donated a POÄNG chair for Textile Design students to create an original cover.
Having impressed University academics and IKEA’s design team, a design by undergraduate Nader Nazari has been used to decorate the iconic POÄNG chair, and is proudly on display in IKEA’s Birmingham Central store
Dawn Lloyd, Unit Manager at IKEA Birmingham Central said:
“Since opening our Order and Collection Point in Birmingham city centre last August, the team here have been keen to build relationships with the local community and truly act as a good neighbour. We are very pleased to forge a partnership with Birmingham City University and its students.
“We wish Nader the very best of luck with his career and look forward to being inspired working with future students.”
Born and raised in Afghanistan before moving to Birmingham in 2008, Nader’s design for the POÄNG chair takes inspiration from his passion for the natural word, coupled with the theme of this year’s Trends Project, ‘GRACE’.
The Trends Project is an annual collaboration between Birmingham City University’s BA Textile Design students and Colour Hive, a leading trend agency, who share the latest trends to final year students in order for them to interpret the trend stories through textile processes. Designs are developed in partnership with manufacturers, focused on showcasing the future in design trends at industry shows, and in 2017 explored the serene and luxurious.
The theme of the ‘GRACE’ trend aims to redefine our approach to craft through the sophisticated use of material and colour. ‘GRACE’ embraces the extraordinary heritage of traditional craft and redefines how we think of them.
The partnership with IKEA has been made possible through the University’s Business Engagement team, which provides industry access to work-ready students and graduates
Ruth Edwards, Business Engagement Manager for the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media (ADM) at Birmingham City University, said:
“Challenging our students, staff and partners to come up with brand new concepts which are fresh, engaging and new, generates some truly innovative content. It’s this innovation which drives us and our partners to push the boundaries and is one of the most motivating elements of this showcase.
“Nader’s design for IKEA is also a great example of how industry partnerships can be developed to their full potential, providing the best outcome for the student, partner and university.”
Created by Japanese designer Noboru Nakamura in 1977, the POÄNG is available to buy as both an armchair or a rocking-chair.