The University of the Arts London (UAL) has embarked on an innovative project, transforming a previously unremarkable guest apartment within its Chelsea College of Arts campus into a vibrant, living showcase for student and graduate design. This initiative, known as the Atterbury Flat, now serves as a dynamic, inhabitable archive where visitors can immerse themselves in the creative output of UAL's diverse talent pool, experiencing art and design in a unique residential setting.

This pioneering endeavor seeks to redefine how university art collections are formed and presented, moving beyond conventional two-dimensional works to embrace a broader spectrum of design disciplines. By integrating student creations into a functional living space, UAL not only provides a platform for emerging artists but also challenges the traditional boundaries of what is deemed worthy of collection and preservation, fostering a richer, more inclusive artistic legacy for future generations.

The Atterbury Flat: A Living Canvas for Emerging Talent

The Atterbury Flat, a two-bedroom apartment situated in a historic Grade II listed building at the Chelsea College of Arts, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis from a standard guest residence into an immersive exhibition of student and graduate work. This transformation was spearheaded by UAL lecturer Zoë Tynan-Campbell, who envisioned the flat as a “live-in” archive – a novel concept allowing visitors to interact directly with the designs. Working with co-curators Abigail Rigby and Bhairavi Yogasivam, Tynan-Campbell engaged over 400 students and graduates from 58 courses across UAL’s six colleges, acquiring 117 diverse pieces for the initial collection. These range from fantastical furniture prototypes, such as a color-changing chair and a coffee table made from stacked paper, to commercially available products like refillable soaps and hand-moulded cookware, demonstrating the breadth of talent within the university. The project underscores a commitment to supporting student innovation, with a significant portion of the budget directly compensating the creators for their contributions.

This innovative approach to archiving and showcasing design stems from a desire to broaden the scope of UAL’s collection, which traditionally focused on fine art. Tynan-Campbell recognized the untapped potential in collecting and celebrating the narratives and objects produced by various other disciplines within the university. The Atterbury Flat provides an ideal solution, offering a dedicated space without the need for new construction, effectively transforming an existing asset into a dynamic cultural hub. Many of the items were custom-made for the flat, including bespoke bathroom tiles, a matching sink, and a giant pencil for signing the guestbook, highlighting the collaborative and site-specific nature of the project. The flat’s interior and spatial design were also carefully curated, with a color palette inspired by a graphic print from student Molly Cook, further emphasizing the student-led ethos. Unveiled at the London Design Festival, the Atterbury Flat continues to host visiting academics and guests, serving as both a residence and a continuously evolving exhibition.

Redefining Art Archives Through Experiential Design

The transformation of the Atterbury Flat into a functional, habitable archive marks a significant departure from conventional museum or gallery spaces, offering an experiential dimension to art collection. This unique model allows for a more intimate and personal engagement with the designs, as guests can not only observe but also use and live amongst the student creations. This “live-in” archive concept challenges the traditional separation between art and daily life, advocating for a more integrated experience where design is appreciated for its aesthetic value and its practical application. The project’s success in engaging a vast number of students and graduates, and providing direct financial support for their work, also establishes a new precedent for how educational institutions can foster and promote emerging talent, creating a direct pathway for their work to gain recognition and commercial viability.

By intentionally curating a space that showcases a wide array of objects – from grand furniture pieces to everyday items like scissors and tea towels – the Atterbury Flat subtly prompts visitors to reconsider what constitutes valuable art and design. This inclusive approach reflects UAL’s commitment to celebrating all forms of creative output from its diverse student body, fostering an environment where every discipline and every story is deemed worthy of preservation and presentation. The ongoing evolution of the flat, with plans for new acquisitions and replacements of older furniture, ensures that the archive remains dynamic and representative of current student innovation. This model not only enriches the experience of visiting academics but also serves as an inspiring testament to the power of collaborative design and the potential for a university to be a living, breathing testament to its creative community.