First and second-year Westminster Interior Architecture BA Honours students have worked together to create sustainable architectural and interior designs using Spradling® fabrics. Alongside the materials, Spradling® generously donated prizes for the winning designs to help empower the talent of tomorrow.
Between 20 and 24 January, over 100 Westminster students participated in the Designing Tomorrow Today competition hosted as part of the University’s collaboration with Spradling® UK. This partnership saw Westminster students come together over the course of four days to develop innovative designs for functional and environmentally responsible spaces, all while gaining the industry exposure and practical skills required for their future careers.
As a global leader in high-performance coated fabrics, Spradling® generously provided a selection of state-of-the-art materials for students to use in their designs. These fabrics were chosen by Westminster academics to give students first-hand experience of creating sustainable solutions. In addition to their innovative design and performance capabilities, the materials provided by Spradling® were carefully selected for their alignment with sustainable design principles. These high-quality coated fabrics demonstrate a commitment to durability and longevity, reducing the need for frequent replacement and contributing to a more circular design process. By incorporating materials that balance functionality, aesthetic appeal and environmental responsibility, the competition allowed students to explore sustainable solutions that prioritise not only immediate design goals but also long-term impact.
About the competition and fabrics used Conor Clarke, Lecturer and Second-Year Lead for Interior Architecture, and Diony Kypraiou, Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for Interior Architecture, said: “On the Interior Architecture course, we empower students to create spaces that embrace mindful growth and the adaptive reuse of materials. The materials provided by Spradling® are coated fabrics, mimicking various textiles such as woven fabrics and even animal skin, and freshly harvested live willow collected just weeks ago. Through live client projects and direct industry partnerships like these, students gain the skills and insight to innovate, rethink and shape a more resilient future for design.”
Students learning about the Spradling® fabrics
Students worked in teams to create a range of sustainable design projects while receiving mentoring from Westminster and Spradling® experts. On the final day, a panel of judges from both organisations reviewed the projects before awarding first, second and third place prizes to the winning teams for designs which were both highly functional and environmentally responsible.
Based on the ambition of their construction, the winning group received a £1,250 prize from Spradling® for their project titled Rain Trap. About the competition the Rain Trap team commented: “The competition was a great opportunity to experience the real-life environment of Interior Architecture. Working with new materials and focusing on functionality taught us that good design isn’t all about aesthetic, and working in mixed groups taught us how to collaborate with new people from different years. Hard work pays off and never underestimate yourself!”
The winning team hold their cheque next to their first-place design 'Rain Trap'
About the collaboration David Sentence, General Manager for Spradling® UK, said: “This partnership embodies Spradling®'s dedication to fostering the next generation of design talent. The University of Westminster’s emphasis on sustainability and forward-thinking design aligns perfectly with our mission to empower young designers with tools to create a better future.”
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Officer at the University of Westminster, added: “This collaboration with Spradling® provides a unique platform for our Interior Architecture students to bridge the gap between academia and industry, all while championing sustainable innovation. Not only does it spark the creativity of our students but also recognises their work by awarding them with prizes. We are excited to work on our first collaboration with Spradling® and look forward to expanding our partnership.”
Westminster’s collaboration with Spradling® directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 12: Responsible Consumption and Production and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about studying Architecture, Interiors and Urban Design at the University of Westminster.
Organisations can collaborate with the University and support students in a range of ways. To find out how, contact Westminster’s Development Team.
Second-place winners with their design 'Rain Flower'
'Rain Flower'
Members of the third-place group with their design ‘Solitude Space’
A member from the winning team with their design 'Rain Trap'
'The Web of Life'
'Suspended Stories'
'Rain Catcher'
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