Overview
The University of the Arts London (UAL) has undertaken a project to transform the Atterbury Flat, a guest apartment located within its Chelsea College of Arts campus, into a dedicated archive and showcase for student and graduate design work. This initiative converts what was previously described as a 'drab' living space into an immersive environment for design display.
Research Context
The Atterbury Flat is situated on the campus of the Chelsea College of Arts, which occupies a Grade II listed former Royal Army Medical College building. The specific context for this transformation is to utilize an existing two-bedroom guest apartment as a site for presenting student and graduate design output.
Approach
UAL's approach involved converting the existing guest quarters, specifically a two-bedroom apartment, into a space dedicated to design exhibition. The transformation aimed to create a 'colourful showcase' where visitors can 'eat, sleep and bathe' amidst the student and graduate design pieces. This indicates a multi-functional integration of design into a lived environment rather than a traditional gallery setting.
Why This Matters
This initiative provides a physical, interactive space for exhibiting the work of students and graduates from the University of the Arts London. By integrating these design pieces into a functional living space, it offers a novel way for visitors to engage with and experience the output of UAL's design programs.