Creative talent revealed

Northumbria opened its annual degree show with a stunning launch event across campus. REVEAL featured the creative work of talented graduating students from the University’s Architecture, Arts, Design and Media course. Northumbria’s global reputation for academic excellence, research and innovation could be seen first-hand in the exceptional work on display at REVEAL, with many of the award-winning students going on to exhibit at high-profile shows in London throughout July.

The exhibition took place at Northumbria’s city campus in the heart of Newcastle and showcased student work to an audience of creative professionals, industry experts, VIPs and the public. In the Architecture studios, students such as Christine Mottershead unveiled their beautiful and thought-provoking drawings and designs, a product of the studio culture and authentic practice ideals which are core elements of the course. In the same studio space, work by Interior Architecture students demonstrated highly creative responses to the live projects set by course leaders and external clients as part of the degree, which explores innovative approaches to building reuse and adaptation. Alasdair Graham, a final year Interior Architecture student at Northumbria, whose project is featured below, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed studying at Northumbria University, it has been without a doubt the best thing I have ever done. The interior architecture course is very well respected and has made a name for itself. Studying here has given me the best start to enter a career in architecture practice, which is my goal now that I have completed my studies.”

Kelly Mackinnon, principal lecturer of Architecture at Northumbria, said: “Northumbria Architecture Degree Show 2016 showcases the talent and dedication of this year’s graduating part 1 and part 2 architects and Interior Architecture. This year’s show was another visual delight evidencing the commitment to the highest standard and quality of architectural education. The show was packed out with an exciting mix of visitors; including Practitioners, alumni from the university and current students.  We are extremely proud of the high levels of dedication, enthusiasm and support from both students and staff resulting in an outstanding show evidencing highest quality work and creativity.”

Fine Art students’ also showcased their distinctly individual style, demonstrating a high level of creativity to provoke debate and reflect the diversity of contemporary ideas and culture. Daisy Cockle, graduate student from the Fine Art at Northumbria, said: "Studying at Northumbria University has been inspiring, challenging and rewarding. I have had the opportunity to make some amazing connections in the Arts community in the North East. I would definitely recommend the Fine Art course to anyone who is looking to enter the world of art."

Professor Keith McIntyre, Head of Arts Department at Northumbria, said: “The annual Northumbria Fine Art Degree show at REVEAL has become one of the key platforms for showing the best emerging contemporary artists in the North of England.”

The annual showcase of talent features work by award-winning graduating students across all of the University’s creative disciplines, solidifying Northumbria’s reputation as an industry recognised leader for the creative stars of tomorrow. Students from this year’s Media and Communication Design department and Fashion courses were also part of REVEAL, the latter having already achieved multiple successes this year at Graduate Fashion Week in London. Meanwhile, students from Northumbria’s award-winning and internationally-acclaimed School of Design also displayed their work on campus ahead of upcoming appearances at high-profiles London shows, New Designers, New Blood, D&AD and Free Range Interiors. Two final year Design For Industry (DFI) students, Callum Smith and Poppy Crow, have already won major awards ahead of London after winning the Royal Society Awards (RSA) student design awards – the same prize formerly won by Northumbria alumni and Chief Design Officer at Apple, Sir Jonathan Ive.

Callum, who won the Philips Internship Award, said: “I was thrilled to even be considered for the award, getting the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of the past prestigious winners is extremely exciting. The opportunities afforded through the RSA award and fellowship will be integral in going forward into my career after university. I’m very much looking forward to starting at Philips and discussing the potential of developing the concept further out in Eindhoven.”

To find out more about studying one of Northumbria’s creative courses go to: www.northumbria.ac.uk/courses