5 March 2008

Students give union a design overhaul

A room based around a giant `Connect 4’ set and another inspired by Dundee’s history of journalism - these are among University of Dundee design students’ visions of how their Students Union could look.

3rd-year students on the Interior & Environmental Design course, based within Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, were asked to rethink social spaces at Dundee University Students’ Association, particularly how they could be adapted to be more welcoming to mature, exchange and international students.

The project took the form of a professional design competition, with the students working with local award winning practice Nicol Russell Studios and the client, DUSA.

"We gave the students the brief of producing a design for a café/juice bar to sit inside the Students Union," said I&ED Programme Director Andrew Milligan. "This is the kind of space the Union may have to look at in the future to accommodate a changing clientele."

"The students had professional input and worked closely with DUSA, just as they would in a real commission, so it has provided excellent experience for them."

The winning designs came from Hayley Scorer and Andrea Ross. Hayley’s design was inspired by the local history of journalism and newspaper production, while Andrea took the theme of the popular game `Connect 4’ to envisage a space where students coming from all over the world could make connections of their own.

Hayley and Andrea each received a prize of £500, presented by DUSA President Milan Bogunovic. Runners-up Wendy Juewang and Elaine McGregor each received £250.

"I have been hugely impressed by the way the students have approached the task that was set for them, and it is really interesting to see what they think the Union could look like," said Milan.

The students’ designs will form an exhibition to be staged later in the year at the Union.

I&ED students are also working on other projects with DUSA regarding disability access and social spaces, and also on designs for revamping the popular Cantina within Duncan of Jordanstone College.

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