3D Design Students Reimagine the Future at the Fourth Annual Concept 2050 Exhibition.
For the fourth year running, our Art and Design department has hosted the annual Concept 2050 exhibition. Over recent months, first year 3D Design & Technology students have been developing imaginative responses to a brief focused on reimagining what the college could look like in 2050.
Students were encouraged to explore future architecture and environments, pushing ideas around innovation and sustainability while applying their creative and technical skills.
Throughout the project, they have followed the full design process, from early ideas and sketching through to refined designs and model making using specialist equipment. The final outcomes highlight impressive creativity, problem-solving and technical ability. The exhibition featured 3D models of the reimagined campus, alongside graphics and video mock-ups that brought students’ designs to life.
Students also benefitted from live feedback from industry professionals including David Davies and Rachel Hunter from Balfour Beatty and Paul Adams, an independent Quantity Surveyor, along with former 3D Design student, Euan Wilkinson who is now studying Architecture at the University of Liverpool after leaving Ashton last year. The judges praised the students for the high standard of their work, describing it as industry level and expressing how impressed they were.
We were also honoured to welcome the Worshipful Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Shibley Alam and her Consort, Mohammed Khairul Alam. They took time to explore the students’ work and even got involved in the virtual reality activities and were both highly impressed by the standard on display.
The judges recognised students' outstanding efforts by presenting four awards for excellence in the following categories:
Best Interior Design: Ava Lindley
Best Exterior Design: Lizzie Curran
Best Model: Mohamed Dia
Most Creative Design: Heath Bird
Erin Day, Head of the Art and Design department at Ashton, along with James Chadderton, Second in Department and 3D Design teacher, were delighted with the success of the exhibition:
“Concept 2050 continues to grow as a flagship project, giving students the opportunity to work to a live brief and think as designers. We are incredibly proud of how this year’s cohort has embraced the challenge, demonstrating creativity, technical skill and resilience.
Students have produced ambitious, highly resolved outcomes, responding to real-world challenges with innovative ideas that reflect both the future of design and their readiness for progression into the creative industries.”
Concept 2050 continues to be an inspiring platform for students to explore futuristic design, refine their technical skills and engage with industry professionals, helping to prepare them for exciting careers in architecture and design. A huge well done to all the students involved!
