From initial sketches to finished public artworks, Kingston College BTEC Level 3 Art & Design students have played a key role in shaping a new feature along Kingston Riverside.
The students have seen their creative designs transformed into permanent public artworks along Kingston Riverside as part of the Buckland Wharf improvement project.
Working in collaboration with Kingston Council, Kingston Museum and Hayatsu Architects, learners were challenged to create artwork inspired by the history, community, ecology and leisure heritage of the riverside. The project formed part of their work experience programme, giving students the opportunity to respond to a live brief and contribute to an important local regeneration initiative.
The project began with a guided tour of Kingston Riverside and Kingston Museum, led by local historian Julian McCarthy from Kingston Tour Guides. Students explored the stories, people and places that have shaped the town before developing their own creative interpretations.
More than 80 students produced original artwork, presenting their ideas to a professional judging panel before translating their designs into detailed sand drawings using specialist sandboxes provided by Hayatsu Architects.
A selection of designs was chosen to be cast into metal plaques, which have now been installed along Kingston Riverside for residents and visitors to discover and enjoy.
The project has provided students with valuable experience of working with professional clients, responding to a design brief and seeing their ideas progress from concept to completion in a real-world setting.
Kingston College would like to thank Kingston Council, Kingston Museum, Hayatsu Architects, Julian McCarthy and all those involved in making this unique opportunity possible.
The completed plaques now form part of Kingston's riverside landscape, creating a lasting tribute to the town's heritage while showcasing the talent and creativity of our students.
Take a look at all the chosen designs by heading to our socials: Facebook and Instagram.
