Rattan Collab connects design students to real-world manufacturing and application

Columbus College of Art & Design and Awaken Koala are partnering on a project to connect students, professionals and industry. The Rattan Collab is a semester-long student design program that will focus on developing a piece of Rattan furniture. Industrial design students will collaborate through Awaken Koala’s proprietary Dream Workshops to uncover unique ideas to design opportunities for Rattan, with final designs produced with an established manufacturer and sold in the real market. Why Rattan? It helps protect forests from degradation, provides habitats for endangered species and gives income to rural economies. Tim Friar, Managing Partner of Design Central and Owner of Grid Furnishings, is supporting the project with his expertise in modern furniture design.