2021: Year in review
Article by: David Millett
Publication date:What a year we've had!
As 2021 draws to a close, we are proud to look back and reminisce on the fantastic achievements of our fearless and exceptional students!
They have all triumphed in a challenging year to create incredible projects, win international competitions and flourish in their chosen fields.
This year also saw some huge milestones for us as a university. To celebrate some of our biggest stories, we have created the timeline below.
To use the gallery, scroll through the pictures, and click on the circle in the lower left to read more. Simply click on the upper-right 'x' to close the picture and continue scrolling through the gallery.
Ravensbourne in 2021
Ravensbourne celebrates illustration book launch
January 2021
Mireille Fauchon, course leader for Ravensbourne’s new MA Illustration for Communication course, co-authored a book chronicling the history and education of illustration. Highly celebrated in the field at launch, Ravensbourne marked the book’s publication with a virtual launch event.
Student shortlisted for World Photography Award
February 2021
Matias Garcia, a final-year Ravensbourne Digital Photography student, was shortlisted for the Sony World Photography Awards 2021 for his series depicting life on an Ecuadorian construction site, recognising him as one of the world’s most talented photography students.
Ravensbourne hosts BBC Motion Graphics Archive
March 2021
Ravensbourne partnered with the BBC to host their Motion Graphics Archive, which showcases the history and development of motion graphics across the BBC, reflecting the changes in technology and the evolution of the role of the graphic designer within the industry.
Digital Technology for Fashion pathway launched
March 2021
Built on the landmark success of last year’s 'Rave Digital' - Ravensbourne’s inaugural fashion and gaming venture - the university unveiled a first-of-its-kind 'Digital Technology for Fashion Pathway' for fashion students, cementing its place as a trailblazer in digital fashion.
Student builds summerhouse in lockdown
March 2021
As normal life ground to a halt in 2020, our third year Architecture student Ahsan Moraby decided to put his lectures into practice by designing and building his own summerhouse. He told us how he juggled his impressive idea with his studies.
Students host broadcast for Teenage Cancer Trust
April 2021
Students from five Ravensbourne courses united to broadcast a live event for Teenage Cancer Trust in April. The project was led by two of our enterprising Digital Television Production students, Lauren Telling and Niamh Duffy, who envisioned the idea for their Final Major Project.
Innovative Incubation company wins prestigious award
April 2021
Incubation company Conducttr were awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding achievement in innovation. This is one of the most prestigious awards for UK businesses. Using its innovative technology, Conducttr offers crisis simulation and crisis management training to companies, allowing them to rehearse adverse events including cyber attacks, natural disasters, broken supply chains, and crisis communications.
Institute for Creativity and Technology opens
May 2021
We were thrilled to officially open the ‘Institute for Creativity and Technology’ in May. Located in the Design District on Greenwich Peninsula, the building ushers in a new era for Ravensbourne: it is the first time the university has simultaneously occupied two buildings in its 62-year history.
Students collaborate with Obama Foundation
May 2021
Students from Ravensbourne University London collaborated with creative students from New York to create a poignant short film on microaggressions. Facilitated by an Obama Foundation initiative, the project gave students of colour a powerful opportunity to share their experiences.
Student's sneakers win international awards
June 2021
Product Design student Glodi Libondje took home multiple prizes across five categories in the Global Footwear Awards, recognising him as one of the most promising emerging young designers in the world.
Ravensbourne launches online Degree Show
June 2021
The Ravensbourne Degree Show launched for the public in June. The launch also coincided with our first in-person open day in over a year! The online Degree Show allowed graduating students to showcase their best work, gain exposure and celebrate the end of their time at Ravensbourne.
Ravensbourne launches part-time postgraduate courses
July 2021
Ravensbourne continued its commitment to life-long learning by launching its first part-time postgraduate courses in July. The new options, run from our new Institute building, will allow even more students to access our specialist programmes.
Advertising & Brand Design students launch HOMEMADE
July 2021
With physical events cancelled due to the pandemic, graduating Advertising & Brand Design students launched ‘HOMEMADE’, an online platform that celebrated their hard work. They also displayed their exceptional designs on a billboard in east London.
Students’ eerie animations featured in Gothic opera
July 2021
Ravensbourne Animation and Games Development students joined forces with the Gothic Opera Company to create a haunting extravaganza that whisked viewers away on a journey ‘through fantasies and nightmares’.
Accessible taxi concept wins top design award
July 2021
Product Design student Calum Gambrill won the prestigious Ford Design Award for his autonomous taxi service concept designed to help people with access requirements. The award, sponsored by the famed automotive company, is part of the largest graduate design show in the UK.
Graphic Design alumni paint stunning rooftop mural
August 2021
Kirsty Langston and Brittany Abbott-Trangmar graduated from Ravensbourne’s Graphic Design course in 2020. In their final year they painted a mural for a café, which inspired them to establish their own mural business. They transformed the university’s rooftop in August with this vibrant design.
Ballerinas abseil down Ravensbourne building
August 2021
Ravensbourne was handpicked to take part in the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival this year. Ballerinas from Delrevés gave a breath-taking performance, suspended from the roof of the Ravensbourne building.
Ravensbourne shows at London Fashion Week 2021
September 2021
Fashion students from Ravensbourne hosted an incredible mixed-reality showcase at London Fashion Week 2021. Ravensbourne was the only university in the country that exhibited at the prestigious event. The showcase took place at the W hotel in Soho, Central London.
Ravensbourne celebrates Black History Month with first craft fair
October 2021
Ravensbourne University London partnered with independent black-owned businesses to host a craft fair. The craft fair celebrated black business and introduce the community to incredible makers from the African diaspora.
Alumna to create short film with John Boyega
November 2021
Ravensbourne graduate Kemi Anna Adeeko was selected to take part in Star Wars icon John Boyega’s ‘Create Next Film Fund’ in partnership with Converse. The fund is giving five black filmmakers mentoring and funding to create their own short films.
Graduation 2021!
December 2021
Ravensbourne University warmly welcomed back in-person graduation! Although this special occasion took place a year later than expected, it was a real joy to be able to share this moment with all the graduates from 2020 and 2021.
We are hugely proud of all our graduates and postgraduates, all imprinted with the collective Ravensbourne experience, forever part of the Ravensbourne community.
This video was shown at the opening ceremony as testament to some of the amazing awards and successes our graduates have bagged during their time with us. For them, it's just the start...