Harriet goes back to nursery

Design student Harriet Livesey loved nursery as a child and so for her final year project she went back to her first love and created a redesign of the University’s own nursery.

Harriet, 20, originally from Cornwall, is in the final year of a BA (Hons) Interior Design and decided to explore the design potential of the University’s nursery.

She said: ‘I loved going to nursery as a little girl, I remember everything, all the climbing around and being interactive. And I’ve tried to recreate that sense of fun with my design.

‘I wanted to do something that was constructive, working with a real building and involved children, as they’re so important.’

Extensive research to enthuse children While researching her proposed redesign, Harriet visited 20 nurseries, including one in Wales and several in the Tees Valley. She spoke to staff and watched the children at play and also contacted several companies, including Experia, a sensory company in Pontefract.

Harriet added: ‘I’ve looked at the current layout and suggested some changes. My design has the older children at the back of the nursery, with greater access to a play garden, while the babies would be at the front with access to a smaller sensory garden. I’ve also suggested sensory rooms to inspire the children and help them develop emotionally.

‘It’s paramount for the children to find the designs interesting. There’s a whole range of other features, such as a different animal illustration on each toilet cubicle door.

‘It would be wonderful if some of my ideas were taken up. I’d like to work again with the nursery staff, possibly on a mural.’

Janet Graham, Nursery Manager, said: ‘I’m very impressed with Harriet’s designs. She’s had complete free reign and I like her ideas.’

Work on display Harriet’s work will be on display at the University’s Design Degree Show in the Athena Building. The exhibition is free and opens to the public on Monday 11 May from 4.00pm until 8.30pm. The Design exhibition will be formally opened at 6.30pm on Monday 11 May by Dan Walker, a Teesside design graduate who now has a hugely successful career as an illustrator and concept artist. The Design exhibition then continues from Tuesday 12 May to Friday 15 May, from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

The exhibition is taking place as part of Creative Arts Week, which highlights the work of students and staff in the School of Arts & Media.

For more details on all of Creative Arts Week events call the School of Arts & Media on 01642 384019, email arts@tees.ac.uk.

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