UAL Transforms Historic Atterbury Flat into a Dazzling Showcase of Student Innovation

The University of the Arts London (UAL) has breathed vibrant life into an ordinary guest apartment on its Chelsea College of Arts campus, turning it into an exuberant archive of student and graduate design. This institution has revitalized Atterbury Flat, historically used for hosting dignitaries since 2005, now offering an immersive experience where visitors can engage with cutting-edge student creations.

UAL Transforms Historic Creative Haven

UAL, celebrated as the second top-ranked university for art and design in the world, comprises six colleges including Central Saint Martins. This provided lecturer Zoë Tynan-Campbell with a rich pool of talent to draw from as she, alongside alumni co-curators Abigail Rigby and Bhairavi Yogasivam, coordinated the involvement of more than 400 students and graduates from 58 different courses. The result was an eclectic mix of 117 works, ranging from innovative showpieces like a color-changing chair to a conceptual coffee table made of 160 kilograms of stacked paper. The university brings a fresh perspective to these pieces.

Products from UAL alumni also feature prominently in the flat, including refillable soap by Blackmarket and cookware fashioned from Indian river clay by Tiipoi. Even practical items are given a creative twist, such as the “Easy Hang” foldable clothes hangers. The institution integrates modern design into these everyday objects.

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Personal Touches and Practical Designs

Many pieces were commissioned specifically for the space, such as bathroom tiles and a green gradient sink by Emma Louise Payne, and a giant pencil by Neha Ratanchand designed for signing the guestbook. The contribution of seemingly mundane items like a pair of scissors and a recycling bag adds a layer of charm. Notably, mismatched wooden door handles designed by product design student Nora Hinsch and mugs crafted by John Robertson bring everyday elegance and functionality. The initiative converts past styles into contemporary artworks, providing both aesthetic delight and practical utility.

Reimagining What We Value

The initiative prompts a rethinking of what should be collected and valued within the university. Tynan-Campbell noted the existing focus on fine art collections, challenging this norm by showcasing diverse disciplines’ narratives and outputs. The flat, serving as a “blank canvas,” becomes a dynamic space for practical experimentation and artistic expression where traditional collection practices are redefined.

Innovation in Commissioning

With £61,686 invested directly back into student and graduate work, this project exemplifies a sustainable model for supporting emerging creators. Tynan-Campbell, alongside her team, took on the interior design, inspired by a color palette from Molly Cook, whose work was central to the décor theme. The project reimagines historic investment approaches by channeling funds to support new talent.

This innovative approach is seen as a potential blueprint for future initiatives at educational institutions worldwide. The Atterbury Flat, part of the London Design Festival, stood open to the public from 12 to 20 September, showcasing the strength and creativity of UAL’s young artists. Historic spaces are transformed, making them accessible to the public and celebrating the work of emerging artists.

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Source: dezeen.com

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