Students from both Surface Pattern and Textile Design and Product, Furniture, Ceramics recently travelled from our College Road campus to Copenhagen, as part of a research week.
In addition to experiencing the blend of contemporary Danish design and Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassical architecture, our Course Leaders had arranged exclusive access to designers and company owners from many prominent design houses including Montana Furniture, Caravanne Design Store, Marimekko, Studio Arhoj Ceramics and Hay House.
"I feel so much more confident in the direction I am taking my project now that I have been and seen designs from the Louisiana and just observed the way of life in a different country."
- Lizzie Goodall (Surface Pattern and Textile Design student)
"I found CPH mind blowing, there was so much inspiration, and it was great to be with Surface Pattern students as well, there were loads of visits which were beneficial for myself which I have taken away with me especially from the Louis Poulsen studio. I feel there was something for everyone within the trip as there was furniture, lighting and ceramics and also other places for Surface Pattern as well, couldn't have asked for a better trip. Loved it."
- Beth Edgehill (Product, Furniture, Ceramics student)
As well as allowing time for our student designers to explore the city and broaden their horizons, Course Leaders curated visits to a range of designers that span interests across disciplines.
"It allows the students time to mix across course specialisms and see other areas of design inspiration that they wouldn't see if we travelled just as single courses" said Tracy Flounders, Course Director for Surface Pattern and Textile Design. Adding "It's already evident in the way that the students have included the Copenhagen visits and photos in their current projects, that they have a deeper understanding of how quality Primary research can enhance work and ideas generation, therefore making them more contextual and relevant in their design solutions.
Copenhagen was a perfect city for both Surface Pattern and Product, Furniture, Ceramics to visit together and we will be running it again next year."