Entrepreneurial project delivered for Cardiff Met's School of Art and Design
I'm delighted to share the success of the recent entrepreneurial project that I delivered for Cardiff Met's School of Art and Design, where second-year students creatively repurposed construction waste over a dynamic five-week initiative. Collaborating in interdisciplinary teams, encompassing architecture, product design, fashion, graphic design, and fine art, students delved into circular economy principles alongside industry leaders such as Morgan Sindall Construction, Alumasc Roofing and Rodney Bender from Innovative Glass Products. Business fundamentals, coupled with a strong focus on circular economy and their specialised disciplines, created a rich learning environment. The external businesses offered studio visits and work experience opportunities, enriching their understanding of materials. The project culminated in a Dragons Den-style pitch day, revealing impressively detailed business ideas. As the project leader, I'm very impressed of the students' achievements, highlighting the commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation in the art and design industry.
Cardiff Met Art and Design Students Showcase Innovation in Circular Economy Project
Cardiff, [01.02.24] – Second-year students at Cardiff Met's School of Art and Design recently engaged in a five-week entrepreneurial project, aiming to transform construction waste into valuable creations. This interdisciplinary initiative saw teams of four students, spanning various disciplines including architecture, product design, fashion, graphic design, and fine art.
The project took an immersive approach, inviting industry leaders from Morgan Sindall Construction, Alumasc Roofing and Innovative Glass Products to share insights into their business models and their approach to the circular economy.
Throughout the program, students delved into essential business concepts such as setting up a small business with the focus on creating value from Waste. The student had to understand the wider context of setting up business such as conducting PESTLE analysis, SWOT analysis, cost assessment, and risk assessment. This integration of business fundamentals, coupled with their specialised discipline backgrounds, fostered a dynamic learning environment, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration.
In a unique twist, Rodney Bender from Innovative Glass Products extended the invitation for the students to visit his studios, providing hands-on experiences with the glass material. Some students even took the opportunity to approach these businesses for work experience with the aim of gaining invaluable real-world insights, and feedback from one student were
"I had the pleasure of presenting as part of the Circular Economy Program. The enriching and fulfilling experience of working collaboratively within a team on a project aligned with Morgan Sindall's construction endeavours has fuelled my enthusiasm to seek further opportunities within the circular economy and sustainable design. I am eager to contribute my skills and knowledge to meaningful projects and would greatly appreciate any information or guidance regarding potential work placements or experiences in this domain."
Product Design Student
The culmination of the project was marked by a thrilling Dragons Den-style pitch day. Students presented their innovative business ideas to industry leaders, showcasing detailed and impressive proposals. The event served as a testament to the students' creativity, problem-solving skills, and entrepreneurial spirit honed over the five-week journey.
"We are immensely proud of our students' achievements in this circular economy project," said, Clara Watkins, Head of Department, emphasising the importance of practical experiences in shaping future leaders in the art and design industry, and Georgie Davies from Morgan Sindall Construction said “I thought the students did an excellent job with the whole task – the research and effort they had put in really shone through during their presentations. “
This initiative not only demonstrates Cardiff Met's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship but also highlights the potential for sustainable innovation within the realms of art and design. As these students pave the way for a more circular future, Cardiff Met stands as a beacon of creativity and practical learning.
