Toronto Metropolitan University
Feature wall in Library
School of Interior Design student project
2019
Through a course led by Kathryn Walter, students were introduced to the material and culture of felt. Walter provided an opportunity, via a class competition, for students to create a permanent installation of felt in the University's library.
Students participated in teams and produced prototypes and proposals that underwent a review by their peers, the instructor, representatives from the Library (the client) and industry professionals including GHA architects, the designers of the Library’s recent renovation.
The selected project, Ripple, was designed by Amy Li, Emily Furtney, and Lindsey Smith. The felt was cut by Interior Felt and assembled in panels at the FELT studio by the designers led by Kathryn Walter, and installed by Builtwork Design.
Ripple takes the form of a river inspired by the busy flow of traffic through the Library’s entranceway. A geometric pattern of cuts in the felt allows acrylic rods to weave through the material and create a rippling effect. The hard transparent rods, in various sizes, contrast with the soft dense felt, and produce fragments of reflected light across the surface.
This project was sponsored by FELT studio, and Interior Felt Inc.
“In our classes, we often make proposals for sites around campus or in the city, but this project allowed us to truly test the prototype and build something permanent.”
“I find mentoring to be the most rewarding aspect of teaching and choose to create situations in which students can learn by doing. Providing material and knowledge from my own studio practice is enhanced by partners within and outside the institution.”
“Working with the students is always inspiring. We are thrilled to partner with faculty colleagues to create these experiential learning opportunities for studens. Being able to highlight student work, of all types, is a wonderful way to celebrate and share the breadth of learning on our campus.”