The planting of a new Ravensbourne
Today found me at a rather grey and windswept Greenwich peninsula, in the 02 Arena (that former much-maligned “Dome”) to witness the beginnings of a new Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication.
For those of you who don’t know, Ravensbourne is one of the most important higher education institutions for the creative media industry. Today we heard how strong and continuing their links with industry are, how their teaching staff are well complemented by practitioners, how they never cease the dialogue with working folk - all true. They are also one of the Skillset Media Academies.
For many years they have long been producing people of calibre into the creative industries.
And they are currently based in Chislehurst, which always feels a little further out than it really is. But, from September 2010, they will be the proud owners of a purpose-built, brand new innovative building right outside the 02 Arena.
The architects have come up with an iconic design, the teaching staff with new ways of working. The aim is to treat the first day at college for every student like their first day at work. With serious deadlines, collaborations, projects, access to resources. And that’s just the start - 2012, n
ew ways of working with employers, incubations spaces… Please do check out their plans - especially exciting is the fly-through. We have a lot of faith in this one-of-a-kind institution; it must be spring because today to me felt like the planting in the ground of a precious sapling, given plenty of nourishment, water and love - but for the first time will have to battle the full force of the elements!
