The Academy of Design (AOD), recognised as the foremost design institute in Sri Lanka and one of the leading design schools in South Asia, takes pride in producing highly skilled graduates geared to take on the fashion, jewellery, interior and graphic design sectors in the country.
As part of AOD's Fashion Design (BA Hons) programme, students are frequently encouraged to undertake industry-based projects to broaden their academic scope, foster critical thinking and be well grounded in corporate and business ethics upon entry to the industry.
AOD students came up with several types of industrially functional designs for rural farmers. |
The most recent batch of Fashion Design students at AOD collaborated with Saaraketha, an organically certified company specialising in Agro Forestry, which focuses on transforming the rural agricultural landscape of Sri Lanka into one that is economically viable, socially responsible and environmentally sustainable, providing farmers with the necessary skills to compete in the global market.
AOD students took on the task of designing uniforms for the Company, keeping in mind the practical issues, restrictions and particulars of the work conducted by the rural farmers of Saaraketha.
The uniforms have been designed to suit the farmers' work, climatic conditions and other practical aspects related to their line of work to ensure that it will be easier for them to conduct their daily activities.
Voicing his appreciation for AOD's efforts, Mr. Prasanna Hettiarachchi, CEO of Saaraketha expressed, "we approached AOD to undertake this project because we wanted a fresh perspective and creative young talent to help us redefine the image of the local farmer.
The AOD is an example of an innovative organisation that has helped place Sri Lanka on the global design arena, and we wanted the best creative minds to work on our endeavour to infuse dignity to the vocation of farming. In terms of translating company ethos into the designs, we believe this to be the first occasion in Sri Lanka where rural farmers will be attired in custom designed functional attire that is both trendy yet practical and supports the work they do.
I applaud the AOD for structuring their curricula in a manner that allows the students to have a practical extension to their academic learning". The designs created by the group of AOD students are currently being constructed, with the final prototypes being evaluated prior to bulk production.
Linda Speldewinde, Managing Director at AOD, states that "this is a part of AOD's many live, industry projects which train the students to design for industry requirements while exercising their creative potential to the fullest.
We believe that education must cater to support the development skills and capabilities that will give students an edge when they move to the industry". |
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