Heriot-Watt University Dubai onboards Cosentino Design Challenge 15
11 March 2021
Dubai branch of British university incorporates CDC15 as part of 2021 course curriculum
Cosentino Middle East, the regional headquarters of global architectural surfaces leader Cosentino Group, partners with Heriot-Watt University Dubai to introduce the international Cosentino Design Challenge (CDC) as course work for the 2nd year Interior Design students of the Heriot-Watt School of Textile and Design.
Now in its 15th edition, CDC is a global initiative in line with the group’s ongoing commitment to foster the talent and creativity of future professionals in architecture and design. The challenge also gives students a chance to connect with the materials and products of Cosentino as they research and create their design propositions. While this hugely successful initiative has had the support and collaboration of 32 international schools and universities, this is the first time a UAE based university officially comes onboard.
Commenting on their involvement, Dr. Malini Karani, Director of Studies for Interior Design (Undergraduate and Postgraduate), Heriot-Watt University Dubai said, “I am delighted that our students from the second year Studio course at Heriot-Watt University Dubai’s School of Textiles and Design are participating in the Cosentino Design Challenge, one of the most prestigious student competitions of today. Platforms such as these offer budding designers a chance to think creatively and on an international scale, explore technical aspects that are critical to this profession and challenge themselves. I wish our students the very best, and thank Cosentino for this unique opportunity.”
This year’s edition is looking for inspiring ideas in Architecture under the theme “Kitchens with soul – new visions for everyday space” and in the Design category, students are asked to reflect on “Cosentino…materials and sensations”. Participants have absolute freedom to develop their projects with the only requirement being that they include some of Cosentino’s innovative engineered surfaces: Silestone and/or Dekton.
Last year’s CDC attracted 213 submissions in the Architecture category and 150 in the Design category from students across Europe, America and Asia. This year’s submissions will include representation from the Middle East thanks to the participation of Heriot-Watt University Dubai.
“As Cosentino Middle East we have over the last 3 years collaborated and supported leading design schools in the UAE on several initiatives. It is always rewarding to engage with the region’s talented student community. CDC is a research and development initiative will get participating students to think creatively about finding design solutions for challenges – present and future. We’re eagerly looking forward to the design concepts from the students of Heriot-Watt University Dubai” remarked Miriam Llano, Marketing Manager – Cosentino Middle East.
The Cosentino Design Challenge 15 is also open for participation to independent student designers. Deadline to submit projects is 1st June 2021.
About Heriot-Watt University Dubai
As the first British university to set up a campus in Dubai in 2005, and the only one with a five-star accreditation by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Heriot-Watt University Dubai has established itself as a pioneer in the higher education market in the UAE. The University’s reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research combined with its strong links to business and industry, has seen it attract a thriving population of undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Heriot-Watt University Dubai offers an extensive range of programmes and disciplines, spanning postgraduate and undergraduate courses. Heriot-Watt graduates are highly employable and sought after by the best organizations worldwide, with over 90% in graduate level jobs or further study within six months of graduation.
About the Cosentino Group
Cosentino Group is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for architecture and design. As a leading company, Cosentino imagines and anticipates together with its customers and partners design solutions that offer value and inspiration to people’s lives. This goal is made possible by pioneering brands that are leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® and Dekton® by Cosentino®. Technologically advanced surfaces, which allow the creation of unique designs for the home and public spaces.
The group bases its development on international expansion, an innovative research and development program, respect for the environment and sustainability, and its ongoing corporate commitment to society and the local communities where it operates, education, equality and health & safety.
Cosentino Group currently distributes its products and brands in more than 110 countries, from its headquarters in Almeria (Spain), and it’s present with its own assets in 30 of them. The group has 8 factories (7 in Almería, Spain and 1 in Brazil), 1 intelligent logistic platform in Spain, and 140 commercial and business units throughout the world. More than 90% of Cosentino Group’s financial turnover comes from international markets.
The Group’s Middle East operations hub is the Cosentino City Dubai showroom in Dubai Design District (d3), catering to projects across the region. With a total floor space of 300m2, this innovative showroom housing an Interactive sample room, fully functioning kitchen, lounge, causal and formal meeting spaces is designed both as an information and experiential centre for architects and interior designers and a collaborative space for the d3 and design community at large.
Contact:
Cosentino City, Dubai Design District, Building 4-A, Unit 401 , T: +971 4242 8131, E: [email protected]