School of Design, Engineering & Computing

‘Vedge‘ gives the edge to BU student designer

07 June 2010

Industrial Design student earns acclaim for his unique ‘organic’ kitchen unit

BU’s James Wood has joined a privileged group of young student designers from across the UK after being recognised in this year’s national Design & Art Direction (D&AD) Student Awards.

James, who just completed the second year of his BA (Hons) in Industrial Design, was shortlisted in the category ‘3D Product Design’, sponsored by London-based DIY Kyoto. His unique ‘Vedge’ kitchen unit allows organic waste to be decomposed into compost indoors. The compost is then filtered into growing sections which allow the user to grow their own produce. The unit is created to fit neatly into any kitchen environment and promotes sustainability through luxury design.

The design has won an ‘in-book’ award which means it will now feature in the D&AD’s 2010 awards publication.

"This is no small achievement," said Theo Roe, Co-ordinator for Industrial Design degree, offered through the University’s School of Design, Engineering and Computing. "There are six nominations in the 3D-Design section with four awards going to postgraduates from the Royal College of Art. BU is there with an 'in-book' award thanks to James. Here we are approaching the subject from an engineering stance making our way among the pre-eminent creative establishments, once again leading the way with innovation in 3D-Design education."

The D&AD Student Awards programme is the design and advertising communities award for those looking to break into the industry. D&AD represents the global creative, design and advertising communities and celebrates brilliance in commercial creativity.

The programme aims to find the best new talent for the industry and to put creativity high on the agenda in the higher and further education curriculum.