Design Camp this year went stellar. The biggest intake of students we've ever had, and quite possibly one of the most hectic but fun for the tutors. And yes, its about the students but really... the tutors have the most fun. Its hard to describe just what an amazing experience it is for us. As professionals from industry its this opportunity for a break from work (though technically we're still working) to catch up with some really talented guys and girls, camp out in the remote Australian bush, by a beautiful lake, bounce ideas around across multiple disciplines and just teach. And teaching 17 and 18 year olds design... from scratch, intensively over three days.. can be challenging. The team truly is one of the best I've ever worked with, with extraordinarily talented designers and artists in fashion, visual media, architecture, landscape architecture, interiors and industrial. Its run by Andrew Scott from QUT, a fantastic lecturer and incredibly capable coordinator - one of the best.
The students learn the basics of design through the journal and ideation process, and materials, craft, aesthetics and meaning in the two assignments and through Andrew's many lectures. They quite often 'hate' the projects with this sudden focus on deadlines, and 'design process' but its effective and *secretly* the camp has a higher purpose - and that is friendship. By the end of 3 dusty days these young 17 and 18 year olds have found their people and their tribes and made friendships that span way beyond university. I only wish I'd had something like this at mine at Victoria.
Students trooping in with bags and tents ready to erect
Project 1 - Elevation
Project 2 - Mass
A project 2 pixel project lit at night