Design Catalyst - Informalism

Suitable age - Year 8-12

Alubind is an exciting project which develops creativity, metalworking skills, and an understanding of 'Informalism' as a design philosophy. This project has a very high completion rate and students are delighted to take home and continue to use the final product. No prior metalworking knowledge is required, but by the end of the project students will have developed valuable skills and an appreciation of how the study of as design style help them develop design ideas..

Design Catalyst -Sydney Opera House

Suitable age - Year 8-12

The Art Deco ring project is a highly popular classroom project. By looking at the Art Deco design style, students will build up an array of design ideas and prototypes. They then modify their favourite design before carving it into a section of ring wax. Students will learn about the technology involved in the lost wax casting process while the rings are being cast in silver (or a different metal). This is a very rewarding project, ending with outstanding finished products.

Project Resources -
Art Deco Ring Project

Design Catalyst -Art Deco

Suitable age - Year 9-12

Archipendant is a fantastic project that introduces students to the fundamentals of jewellery design. Students will learn to identify the endless design possibilities that stem from their surrounding environments as much as from the design world. Jewellery making basics such as soldering, piercing, and basic polishing will be learnt. There is also scope for these same jewellery making skills to be transferred to working with precious metals. A great project for both boys and girls, with an impressive array of finished products.

Design Catalyst - Biomorphism

Suitable age - Year 7-12

Biomouse is a project that students love to do. Students learn about the inspiration of nature in design, and study the work of many recent designers who have adopted this approach in their products. High Density modelling foam is a great material for students to learn to work with, and the completed models can then have a vacuum formed shell to give a great finish. .

Design Catalyst - The Bauhaus

Suitable age - Year 7-12

Briefhaus is an excellent introductory project which instills the design process and develops graphic skills. The making component introduces the students to valuable skills using hand tools and simple machinery. The materials required for the project are inexpensive and easy to work with - manufactured board and softwood. Students research and interpret some of the design ideas of the Bauhaus design school. These ideas encourage a creative process. This project is suitable for all abilities with a high completion rate. .

Design Catalyst - Sustainability

Suitable age - Year 8-12

Ecolamp presents young designers with an exciting challenge using the new technology of LED strip lighting. LEDs are super efficient and incredibly versatile. The Ecolamp project focuses on issues of energy use and sustainability while giving students the opportunity to develop their own creative ideas. As with most new technology designers want to find its true form. This hasn’t happened yet with LED strip lighting and so your students are presented with a great opportunity to invent a whole new style of lighting. Outstanding take home value.

Design Catalyst - Minimalism

Suitable age - Year 9-12

Photon Factor is an exciting project which offers many creative possibilities. An understanding of the minimalist design philosophy is central. "Less is more" is the approach. Students develop a range of design and making skills using a variety of thermoplastics. .