Design students take on Ellerslie

INTERIOR STUDENTS TAKE ON ELLERSLIE PROJECT

An exciting challenge has been set for the Emerging Designs – Student Designer of the Year category in the 2011 Ellerslie International Flower Show. Interior Design students at the Design and Arts College of New Zealand’s (D&A) are currently working on the project that requires them to think outside the square – though they are required to work within one. Students have been given a brief to build a five metre squared courtyard garden for a professional couple.

“The brief is such that the space is really an extension of the living area which fits well in to our Interior Design course” says Melanie Arnold, Interior Design Programme Coordinator at D&A.

Innovative design is the key to the category with many past designers using their exhibit to launch a successful career in the industry. “All of our student’s designs are different and innovative in their own way. All our students who submitted concept designs to Ellerslie were accepted for the competition” says Arnold .

Each student has been given a $3000 cash grant to complete their design along with sponsorship of paving from Urban Paving and plants from Garden SolutioNZ. They will have three weeks to complete their courtyard and a week to exhibit their work.

“D&A’s Industry Liaison was approached by Ellerslie with the competition details, it was such an amazing opportunity for our students it was written in to the course as a second year assignment. The project is significant for our students as they are working with real budgets, deadlines and strict specifications – its gives them a taste of what is expected when working in the industry. In addition to this, students will receive a great deal of national and international exposure from the show” says Arnold .

Interior Design student Jessica Molony is currently setting up her design titled ‘Living Lounge’. Molony has designed a typical living room space and transposed it in to a courtyard environment. She has sourced a number of additional sponsors for her design.

“This project is great, working with a cash budget actually shows us how to use and source funds, it’s amazing how quickly the budget gets used. My design is very interior design focused, I’m taking the indoors, outdoors. I think it’s important to keep it simple, but innovative – I want my garden to be usable” says Molony.

D&A’s Diploma of Interior Design is a two year, industry focused Diploma. “ D&A stands out because it allows students to really explore their creative side while working on industry related projects. Students get more personal attention and one-on-one assistance from their tutors” says Arnold .

Other interior design student gardens feature titles such as The Island, and Arc'd. D&A’s Interior Design student’s designs can be viewed in the Emerging Designs section at the annual show held at Hagley Park . Ellerslie International Flower Show runs from 9-13 March 2011, tickets are on sale now

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