Fine art and creative students from the University of Brighton and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (MET) have been tasked with designing and installing the BA i360 Christmas display onboard the British Airways i360 viewing pod. The winning student will have the chance to present their design to a celebrity judge, win a host of prizes and have their design displayed on the pod throughout the festive period.
With sustainability at the heart of the Christmas display, the design is to be aligned to a specific brief and budget, with the winning student expected to source and install the decorations. The display will open to the general public on Thursday 28th November.
The panel of judges includes Oliver Heath, an industry recognised expert in the field of sustainable architectural and interior design. Oliver has presented television programmes including ITV, Channel 4, Discovery Channel and the BBC’s DIY SOS, for which his show was BAFTA nominated.
BA i360 and London Eye architect, Julia Barfield, will also sit on the judging panel. Director of Marks Barfield Architects, Julia and her firm have won more than 60 awards for their innovative and sustainable architectural designs. Their latest project was designing the UK’s first green mosque, located in Cambridge.
Ian Hart, General Manager of BA i360, is the final judge. With more than 25 years’ experience at Marks and Spencer, The Arcadia Group, The Body Shop and the Nuance Group, Ian has extensive experience in retail.
The students have until 25th October to submit their designs. The judges will then invite the shortlist to present their vision to the panel on 11th November. The winner will be announced the same day.
Bryony Pickering,18, is studying a Foundation in Arts at Met College, she says: “This is a really cool project that looks really interesting. Last year I helped an artist install a glass exhibit in a church in London, which involved handling fragile glass and thinking constructively about how to secure it safely. I think that experience will help me greatly with this project.”
Ruby Bongers, a Brighton resident also studying at the Met says: “I am excited to get started. I have already started researching ideas online and plan to visit London in the coming weeks for further inspiration. I’m really eager to get started!”