It was only last year when Caroline Chisholm Catholic College student Cooper Smith paid a visit to the Melbourne Museum to see the creations on display at the Top Designs exhibition.
Now, it’s his very own work that will feature in the same exhibition when Melbourne Museum once again showcases some of Victoria’s most outstanding VCE and VCE VET design and technology students for Top Designs 2024.
“It’s an amazing experience,” he said.
“All the year twelves who study Visual Communication Design all go and see the Top Designs each year. For me to be a part of that for other kids to see, and to think they’re going to take photos and be influenced by my work … it’s amazing.”
From March 23 to July 14, Melbourne Museum will display the creations of 87 exceptional exhibitors carefully selected from a pool of more than 1,000 applications by a team of specialist educators.
Visitors will be able to witness the inventive ways in which the students employ design to contribute to a more progressive world, with many of this year’s creations proposing ethically-focused solutions to ongoing social and environmental challenge
Of those 87 exceptional exhibitors is Cooper, who has created a house accommodation model, keeping in mind both ethics and sustainability.
“I really integrate the environment within my actual build itself. No environments have been harmed, and it is very sustainable accommodation and affordable for all income levels. Everyone can experience it and it’s an immersive nature experience so that you’re one on one with nature.”
Top Designs 2024 opens on Saturday, March 23, at the Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street Carlton. Tickets are on sale at Melbourne Museum and online.
Details: shorturl.at/fswCJ
Hannah Hammoud