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13 Jun 2005 08:52:01
A design to address anti-social behaviour in schools has won a final-year interior design student at the University of Luton a national award and a cheque for £1,200.
Daniel McGing (24) from Southwark in South London, won the Safety and Security in Schools category at the annual Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts (RSA) Design Directions Awards, which highlights the best of British and European design talent.
“We are all very proud of Daniel’s fantastic achievement,” said lecturer, Garry Layden. “We knew he was in with a good chance of winning because his entry was excellent. His approach to the brief was impressive. He has a great future ahead of him. His success is a reflection of the way in which our department has transformed in recent years with some fantastic lecturers who are always full of enthusiasm and energy.”
Daniel’s brief was to redesign a school that had a history of aggressive behaviour in a way that would remove potential risks to vulnerable students. He was commended for carrying out extensive research through questionnaires, written articles and the internet, which helped to highlight important issues.
Daniel said: “I decided to explore ways of getting the building itself to help pupils. I used ‘skins' made of different materials on walls at hotspots within the school, to help prevent violent and aggressive behaviour.
“For example, I used foil skin to help prevent arson attacks; rubber skin to make it hard to scratch walls; sponge skin to soak up water from flooding; rope skin made of elastic material to enable people to pass through it, preventing physical abuse; tin can skin to prevent graffiti; and pillow skin to help lessen physical abuse by providing a soft surface for students to fall against if they are pushed.”
Daniel designed the skins so they can be moved to different locations if necessary. He also decided that the relocation of the staff room would enable pupils to be watched more closely, and that replacing the cloakroom with lockers would leave no hidden corners.
Penny Egan, Executive Director of the RSA, said: “The quality of entries this year shows the raw talent and exciting potential of young designers, and the important role that design has to play in addressing some of the complex social issues of today.”
Daniel hopes his award will attract interest from potential employers. He said: “I’ve really enjoyed my time at the University of Luton, and now I’m ready to get my career started. I’m hoping that after I graduate, I can take up a position with a design firm that specialises in designing contemporary buildings in developing towns and cities.”
Other competition categories included Healthy Eating, Patient Safety and Inclusive Worlds, which featured designs to help those with disabilities. Previous winners of the award include Jonathan Ive, creator of the iPod, fashion designer Betty Jackson and Andy Clark, designer of the Heathrow Express train.
To find out more about studying design courses at the University of Luton call 0800 389 6633 or visit www.luton.ac.uk.
Latest news» 2005» Jun» A Design for Life - Luton Student Wins National Design Award
