UAB Design Alum Named Graphis Design Best

UAB Design Alum, Drew Watts (09) was awarded a gold and named Graphis 100 best in design, for his Ford Kids Escape project. Watts is currently working at Webster Design in Omaha, NE. Webster Design is an Interdisciplinary design firm working in print, web, environmental and packaging.

Watts explained: In the process of having a new Ford dealership built, an architecture agency behind the project came to Webster Design and asked us to create a play area that went beyond the typical crayon table and wooden train set. My concept was to create an outdoor space that would juxtapose the vast field of concrete and vehicles that are always associated with car dealerships.

We created a theatrical outdoor setting that would inspire the children to be imaginative and active. The small hills and the artificial grass also give the parents a comfortable place to sit, relax and interact with their kids as they wait for service.

New Home for the UAB Art Department

The UAB Department of Art and Art History will have a new home in the fall of 2013. The building (pictured) was designed by Los Angeles-based Randall Stout Architects. Randall served as Senior Associate to world-renowned architect Frank Gehry from 1989 to 1996 and, in 1993, started his own architecture firm.The firm has designed numerous noteworthy buildings both in Europe and here,including the new wing of the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, and the Art Museum of Western Virginia in Roanoke.

The new building will feature multiple gallery spaces and a unique metal exterior. Groundbreaking will begin over the winter holiday of 2011.