A benchmark of Teesside creative talent

The design expertise of Teesside University graduate Chris Parker is on permanent display to generations of students.

Chris, 22, from Stockton, entered a University competition to design an outdoor granite bench for the new £17m Centuria South Building, while completing his MSc Design.

The state-of-the-art health and sport science building was officially opened by HRH Princess Royal in October 2010. The bench is sited in Centuria South’s inner courtyard and Chris’ winning S-shaped design was picked by a panel of University professionals, who also awarded a £400 prize. An honour that my design was picked Chris achieved his BA (Hons) degree in product design at Teesside and now works as a designer for Origin Worldwide Ltd in Stockton. He said: 'It’s quite an honour that my design was picked. As a product designer I now have something tangible that I hope future students can enjoy. I chose the S shape as I was inspired by the idea of Karma, of keeping the balance right between artistic sculpture and functional product.

'The organic shape hopefully adopts itself well so as to provide users with a platform for whatever activity it is needed for, whether it be group related work or simply as a social hang out, the space can be moulded for just about anything. Both of my Teesside degrees helped me to get this job and I’ll be using the prize-money for a graphics package.' Chris Robinson, the University’s Capital Developments Manager, said: 'We chose Chris’ design as the clear winner. It was an ideal and economical design for the inner courtyard, creating an attractive focal point where students, staff and dental patients have the opportunity to relax and reflect.'

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