Wednesday 23rd January saw students and staff from West College Scotland descend upon IKEA Glasgow for a night of photography, textile, design and ceramics. Students had been working hard for months in preparation of the event, entitled ‘Hybrid – Nature and Manmade’. The brief was simple – to combine natural elements with IKEA products in order to create a visually striking image. But it was our students’ execution of the brief which went above and beyond expectations, and IKEA’s Local Marketing Leader, Anna Wiltshire, was more than impressed with the results:
We were so thrilled with the standard of work from the design students at West College Scotland this year – each time we run the project it evolves and grows and we’re never disappointed with the level of talent and creativity that we see from the students.
Vases, lanterns, candles and photos frames were amongst the products which students incorporated, and a lot of effort went into finding the perfect location, of which rivers, mountains and flowerbeds were used. January’s event was the perfect opportunity for our students to showcase their work, and also to award those who stood out in various different categories. Anna admits that it was difficult to choose winners as the IKEA team were impressed with all submissions. With students receiving feedback on their work and also having the opportunity to network with industry professionals, they can certainly take a lot away from the experience.
“This project has given me courage and a renewed vigour to continue my studies.”
Hannah Ali, HNC Interior Architecture
“I am so happy that I have an accolade to add to my CV from such a world-leading company as IKEA.”
Gabriela Wijas, NC Graphic Design
“The IKEA team were so lovely and to gain an award is a real bonus and great for my CV!”
Derek Young, HND Photography
“I am very grateful to have been given this opportunity by the college and IKEA.”
Daria Glowacka, HNC Interior Architecture
The staff at West College Scotland are equally as positive about the project, which has been hailed a success by all involved:
"Introducing the students to employability skills and familiarising them with the design industry is such a positive experience and very exciting for staff and students."
Craig Peacock, HND Graphic Design lecturer
"Students have the chance to learn and develop skills while gaining a real taste of what is beyond the classroom."
Rachel Marshall, HNC Interior Architecture lecturer
"The students really excel themselves year after year, showing industry what the young talent at our college is capable of."
Marisa Giannasi, Project Lead and Interior Architecture lecturer
Anna is already looking forward to the next step in this collaboration, when staff from IKEA will host an employability workshop at the college, and she is excited to kick of the seventh year of the project with a new set of students in September.
The team at West College Scotland would like to extend a big thank you to those at IKEA who facilitated this project and made it such a valuable and rewarding experience for our students.
List of winners
Design – overall winner: Hannah Ali, HNC Interior Architecture Paisley
Design – highly commended: Gabriela Wijas, NC Graphic Design Paisley
Design – runner-up: Daria Glowacka, HNC Interior Architecture Paisley
Design – runner-up: Joel Taylor, HNC Graphic design Clydebank
Design – runner-up: John McEwan, HND Graphic Design Paisley
Photography – overall winner: Chloe Mae Maguire, HND Photography Paisley
Photography – highly commended: Derek Young, HND photography Paisley
IKEA Values Awards – Give and Take Responsibility: Fraser Macinnes, NC Graphic Design paisley
IKEA Values Awards – Different with a Meaning: Megan Napier, HNC Graphic Design Clydebank
IKEA Values Awards – Simplicity: Yvonne McLeod, HND Graphic Design Paisley
IKEA Values Awards – Lead by Example: Heather Gibson, HND Photography Paisley
IKEA Values Awards – Caring for People and Planet: Ahmad Jalloul, HNC Interior Architecture Clydebank
IKEA Values Awards – Togetherness: Abby Craig, HNC Interior Architecture Paisley