Project makes prize-winning point

20 August 2010

Lois Skelton receiving the Murray & Willis Associate Prize at New Designers

A design concept to re-invent an iconic building constructed in the 1980s has made Bournemouth University (BU) graduate Lois Skelton a prize-winner at the biggest graduate design showcase in Europe.

Lois, who recently completed her BA (Hons) in Interior Design at BU, won the Murray & Willis Associate Prize at the New Designers event in London held during the Summer. Her concept, entitled PROJECT: POINT, would transform an entertainment complex into a sustainable travel interchange.

Once described as ‘Europe’s first fully-integrated entertainment venue’, ‘The Point’ in Milton Keynes is now 25 years old. Lois would use the building to promote the importance of green travel focusing on ways it can help fight climate change and encourage healthier lifestyles.

The judges at New Designers were impressed by ‘the appropriate re-use of an existing building, with minimum intervention and minimum use of new material, to form a new central transport hub that will facilitate and promote sustainable transport alternatives.’

“Being at New Designers and winning this prize has increased my self confidence in my work and has reinforced my excitement to work within the industry,” said Lois who amplified her passion for design during a professional placement with Milton Keynes firm 3d Architects as part of her course.

Lois wasn’t alone in making a mark for BU at New Designers this year. Ten students from the University’s School of Design, Engineering & Computing presented their work at the show, held in London’s Business Design Centre, and brought home the runner-up prize for Best Design Stand.

New Designers marked its 25th anniversary this year. The high-profile event supports fresh thinking and aspiration, showcasing the work, energy and talent of over 3500 designers from across the UK. The event took place at one of London’s most dynamic and vibrant buildings – The Business Design Centre.

New Designers came hot on the heels of BU’s Festival of Design & Innovation, where students from Product Design, Industrial Design, Design Engineering, Fashion & Textiles, Interior Design, Computer Aided Product Design and Sustainable Graphics & Packaging displayed over 170 designs & prototypes.