A beanbag inspired by two-piece electronic band Daft Punk, an Olympic torch designed for the 2016 Tokyo Olympic Games, costumes for the Wizard of Oz made of recycled materials, and a computer controlled robotic arm are just some of the outstanding pieces featured in Top Designs, on show at Melbourne Museum from 21 March to 26 July 2009.
Top Designs is in its ninth year at Melbourne Museum and is a major component of the VCE Season of Excellence, managed by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. The exhibition features exemplary student design in a range of VCE studies: Design and Technology, Food and Technology, Systems Engineering, Media, VET Multimedia and Visual Communication and Design.
Students were selected by six specialist panellists for display in the exhibition. The exhibitors achieved a very high score in their VCE studies. The works chosen display mastery of media and processes, originality and flair and include furniture and clothing design, photography, short films, mechanical projects and graphic design products.
Folios and design plans are exhibited alongside the works, providing visitors with an insight into the development of each design from the original concept, design options and trailing of materials to the finished product and evaluation.
Works featured in the exhibition include:
• Costume designs for the good and wicked witches in The Wizard of Oz – Visual Communication and Design
• Beach Wedding Dress – Design and Technology
• A Chilli inspired menu – Food and Technology
• Short films, animation, print layout and photography – Media
• Remote controlled tugboat – Systems Engineering
• The Day the Music Died game – VET Multimedia
“Top Designs is an annual exhibition that has been showcased at Melbourne Museum for a number of years. The level of imagination and skill demonstrated by the students is extraordinary. Visitors will no doubt be amazed at the work produced by these talented students,” said Brett Dunlop, Manager, Melbourne Museum.
“Importantly, all students receive free admission to Top Designs, giving them the opportunity to view the exhibition and in turn inspire them to become the next generation of talented Australian designers. Melbourne Museum presents a range of education programs in conjunction with Top Designs and aimed at this year’s VCE students, greatly enhancing the educational aspect of the exhibition” he added.
The exhibition reflects Designed to Inspire, Museum Victoria’s commitment to the recognition and promotion of the work of emerging and practising Australian designers. Previously hosted design exhibitions at Melbourne Museum include, Premier’s Design Awards and The Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Award Exhibition.
Top Designs
Melbourne Museum
21 March to 26 July 2009
Included with Museum entry (FREE for students)
Melbourne Museum, Nicholson Street, Carlton. Open 10.00am to 5.00pm daily. $6 Adults, FREE children and concession. For further information, visit museumvictoria.com.au or phone 13 11 02.