A bench which reflects the shape of the River Trent has been created at Nottingham Trent University using recycled plastic.
Mary Preston, 22, a BA (Hons) Decorative Arts student, designed the piece after being inspired to create something that fitted into the university’s ‘Greening the City’ plan, which aims to create eco-friendly spaces for staff and students.
She spent time looking at aerial images of the River Trent and made sketches to form the shape of the bench, which she has named Laminar Flow.
Sensory plants will be incorporated into the piece to create calming scents for students during exam periods.
Plastic waste
Mary has made the bench out of recycled farm plastics, such as the plastic used to cover hay bales.
She said: “Coming from a farming background I have seen the volume of plastic waste and the impact is has on the environment and I wanted to bring a positive change this. I wanted to use the material to make something everyone could enjoy.”
The bench has been shortlisted for a Nottingham Trent Students’ Union Green Impact Award.
Mary’s work is set to go on show at the university’s 2017 Degree Show from 3 to 10 June at the City campus.
Laminar Flow has been funded through the university’s Green Leaders project, a scheme where students can win funding of up to £1,000 for their green projects.
The scheme is run in partnership with Nottingham Trent Students’ Union, the university’s Environment Team and the University Partnership Programme.
