We operate Design & Industries Association events and activities in the West of England. The majority of meetings take place in Bristol, Bath and some small local towns in the area. Events are held in a variety of locations to enable members, friends and interested parties to engage and that can be reached sustainabley.
The region does and is again talking and surveying members on themes, ideas and local challenges that could form the core of our 2010 programme. Some revolve around schemes that are completed and are up and running like the Cabot Circus award winning retail centre, the National Trust Headquaters in Swindon and the very contemporary Bath bus station designed by Wilkinson Eyre. Others represent work in progress, the Holburne Museum exhibition gallery from Eric Parry architects or the recently approved low carbon housing project on the edge of Bristol.
Linked to visits the Region is looking at Climate Change topics and approaching the Bristol Energy Saving Trust to see if the DIA could facilitate local household gathering to learn about household energy savings and how to get help. A SW Design Review Panel presentation at the Bristol Architecture Centre is another avenue that members feel could be very worthwhile.
Awards, prizes, support for those doing research and craftspersons and workshops in partnership with the Bristol Gane Trust are promoted and funded. The City of Bath College Annual £500 Fashion prize and the £1000 Student Travel Scholarship given by the Gane Trust to the School of Art & Design at Bath Spa University are established. The DIA and Gane are now exploring with two faculties in the University of the West of England, one being Health & Welfare, awards to encourage the practice of design as a tool to improve the quality of life for service users.
THE NEXT DIA WESTERN REGION EVENT
On the Catwalk
The City of Bath College Student Fashion Show on Friday 03 July at 19.00hrs in the Mapa Building
A DIA Prize of £500 is to be awarded to a final year student completing the National Diploma Fashion Clothing Course during the evening. Members will have the pleasure and excitement of witnessing all those on the course showing off their creations in a very professional setting.
The Adjudicators are Mary Gorwyn (DIA), a representative from Bath Spa University and Fhiona Mckie, Course Leader, City of Bath College.
Catwalk front row seats are reserved for DIA members and guests to celebrate and enjoy the success of all concerned.
OBSERVATIONS
May 2009 Blueprint Magazine - A series of interesting articles in this edition are worth looking at!
Interview with Italian Architect Claudio Silvestrin in his London Studio - pages 44 to 48.
Chronicles of the City, East London Writers & Artists blurring the boundaries of fact and fiction - pages 50 to 54.
De Grey Court York St John University, Rises above the stifling conservatism - pages 56 to 62
Molteni: The Understated Language of Innovation, Patrons and Manufactuerers of Design - pages 65 to 72