Can universities influence interiors trends?

03 Jan '09

4 min read

Marlene Little , BA (Hons) Textiles Design Course Director, said: “It's an intriguing process, simultaneously intuitive, evaluative and research based. Trend forecasting works by osmosis….being tuned into and responding to the cultural zeitgeist, looking forward to projected events, tracking the developments of previous trends….students respond to the mix of hard nosed research and the creative challenge.”

The trends showcase represents an ongoing partnership between the University and UBM that has progressed over three years, to unleash talent from the region and shine a spotlight on creative practice.

Cathy Oates, Director of Interiors Birmingham, at UBM live said: “trends prediction is a key element of the Interiors Birmingham experience. Birmingham City University's expertise across interior design, coupled with their creative flair and business focus make them an ideal partner to build a tailored showcase for this year's show, which seeks to inspire, engage and inform our visitors.”

Joanna Birch , Head of Corporate Relations, added: “the University has a wide portfolio of expertise in the interiors industry, from our academics to the work we do with business through design knowledge network. This project highlights the benefits of industry and university led partnerships in which the students, academics and business all benefit from each others skills and abilities during the collaboration”

The Interiors Birmingham exhibition provides a platform to the role that students and academics can play in pushing the boundaries of design in the interiors market and demonstrates the important role that an industry facing university can play in the economic vitality of the City and the wider region.

Birmingham City University

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