GDES3003 Research Daytrip to the Centre For Alternative Technology.

Year 3 Green Design students undertook the module's annual research daytrip to one of Europe's largest eco centres today: The Centre for Alternative Technology near Machynlleth in Mid Wales.

The visit is linked to one of the key theoretical backbones of the module which discusses how we can decarbonise and reduce emissions and energy use 'Zero Carbon Britain' (ZCB). The ZCB project's originator Paul Allen gave an onsite talk of around an hour followed by Q+A linked to both the project's aims and what we as designers and visual communicators can do in our creative practice.

As always it was a fantastic day over at CAT and students who travelled with us jotted down a few thoughts about their time on site on the way back to Worcester:

"Really enjoyable and fascinating!"

"A very informative trip - lots of interesting facts"

"A refreshing and positive way of looking at nature and climate change"

"Great experience seeing what different people are doing to combat climate change"

"I enjoyed the talk and I liked the views and being out in nature"

"I liked the materials that they used"

"Was interesting to see sustainable living first hand"

"Amazing place, has given me a sense of hope".

"Really interesting place, people should know more about it"

"So good to be back at CAT and it's looking good in the autumn sun. Always inspiring, talk excellent!"

Here's a set of photos from the day: 

GDES3003 Students Hear Client Briefing From OLPRO

Year 3 students on our Green Design module received their client briefing this week from Chris and Katie at OLPRO. The company is based in the region and is a manufacturer of tents and outdoor gear but also a 'B Corp' which has sustainability writ large within it's ways of working.

Chris and Katie talked students through their requirements on what's a real brief linked to a new range of kit they're developing. Students will now research broadly the area of working so they have sufficient background to be able to start their initial visual ideas.

The clients have kindly offered to be on hand for students to ask questions during the process and will be back in to look at/feed back on student progress later in the module.

Client Chris talking to students:

GDES3003 Client Briefing and Feedback

Key to understanding the 'live' brief for this module was to go to where the client is based and hear their 'asks' to students and their considerations (such as using low impact sustainable materials where possible). Additionally, it was also key that client Joe joined us part way through the project to review student progress and to answer questions at that time too.

Client briefing at Monkwood nr Worcester

Client interim feedback session at UW.