Wayward, a London-based landscape, art and architecture practice, and were Practitioners-in-Residence 2016 for the Interior and Spatial Design programme at Chelsea. An award-winning collective of designers, artists and urban growers, Wayward pioneer new methodologies in creative use of land and spaces, transforming derelict sites into spaces that engage both local communities and international audiences.
The Wayward Sustainable Design Award is a new prize given at this year’s Undergraduate Summer Show to a graduating student who has demonstrated responsible reuse and sustainability in their work. BA Interior and Spatial Design student Ricky Tong was this year’s winner and we took some time to catch up with him to find out how he felt about winning the award and what his plans for the future are.
Hi Ricky. How did you feel about being the recipient of the first Wayward Sustainable Design Award?
I felt really surprised to get this award. I think it will help me a lot in the future, because this prize recognises my work, and gives me confidence to show my work to others
Can you tell us about your project?
My project was collecting sounds from the Millbank area to build up a sound map for the residents here. After playing the sounds to the local community, I found out the public prefer natural sounds but sadly there aren’t many everyday green spaces for the Millbank resident to use. I started to think about making a mobile garden to solve this problem, which could roam around different areas in Millbank to help people to relax.
Feedback from the residents after they used my design suggested that it was really successful as a mobile garden. Sure, I have to improve different issues on the design, such as materials and quality, but they feel this mobile garden is an important element for them.
What inspires you in your practice?
I come from Hong Kong and I am interested in thinking and swimming and help me so much when I designing my work. Thinking helps me to be creative and consider different solutions to problems that arise between users and designers. I like to swim when I feel stressful or stuck, it clears my brain.
What are your plans for the future?
For the next step, I look forward to working in an architecture company, because I want to change lives from the exterior to interior. After I get more practice experience, I will do a master degree to further my education.
Find out more about Wayward
Check out BA Interior and Spatial Design at Chelsea