Students’ creative energies focussed for Isaac Newton Building artwork competition

A giant piece of art created by students at the University of Lincoln, UK, has been unveiled as finishing touches were made this week on the University’s new £28million Isaac Newton Building where the artwork will take pride of place.

The Isaac Newton Building is located on the University of Lincoln’s main Brayford Pool Campus. It will be the new home for staff and students in engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physics subjects. Construction on this flagship building will be completed this week (w/c 10th April 2017).

Students from across the University of Lincoln were challenged earlier this year to design a giant piece of artwork measuring 13 metres by 7 metres to adorn the signature wall of the main atrium area of the Isaac Newton Building.

More than 30 creative teams submitted designs. The winning entry, chosen by a judging panel of academic staff, came from Amelia Eddershaw and Orlagh Smith, both first-year undergraduate students on Lincoln’s BA (Hons) Creative Advertising programme.

The artwork has now been placed on display as contractors working on the Isaac Newton Building formally complete the construction and fit-out this week.

Gyles Lingwood, Director of Education and Students in the University’s College of Arts, organised the competition and joined the judging panel in choosing the winning design.

“The judges and I were delighted to receive so many entries, particularly as they came from students from right across the University in a wide range of disciplines”, said Gyles. “Some of the entries were very practical, while others made us think twice and challenge what we thought was possible, but the winning design really hit a chord with the whole judging panel.

“Amelia and Orlagh’s design is very confident. It is incredibly energetic and dynamic, working just as successfully up-close as it does from a distance, and appearing to take on a life of its own at every glance.

“Creatively bringing science and art together in an arresting and beautiful image, I’m sure the design will capture the attention and imagination of visitors to the University.”

Amelia Eddershaw (18) described the inspiration behind the design: “We drew on the idea of energy as both Orlagh and I thought this was a key part of the new Isaac Newton Building and the University as a whole. We felt that the ripples would be dynamic and engaging without distracting from the space it occupies, while the colour pallet really shows off the design and, to us, represents the amalgamation of the cultures, personalities and talents that we see here at the University.

“It was amazing to see the artwork in situ on the wall.”

Acknowledging the breadth of talent and subsequent impressive designs submitted as part of the competition, an exhibition showcasing some of the best entries will take place in the University Library in April.