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Three BA (Hons) Graphic Design (Visual Communication and Illustration) students from the University of West London (UWL) have designed and delivered a striking 42-metre public mural for ReActon, Ealing’s circular economy community hub.
Bringing ReActon’s mission to life
Created by students Gabija Butaite, Andrada-Liana Hanganu and Souad Hakim. the mural visually celebrates the wide range of sustainability-focused activities supported by RActon, which operates in partnership with Ealing Council and West London Waste Authority.
The colourful artwork tells the story of the hub’s circular economy initiatives, including a pre-loved uniform hub, book and toy swaps, bike repair services, clothing repair workshops and compost giveaways.
A real-world design opportunity
This project began as a live client brief led by Dr Isil Onol, Senior Lecturer in Design Communication at UWL’s London School of Film, Media and Design. It gave students the opportunity to work with a real client, respond to stakeholder feedback, develop public-facing design solutions and see a project taken from concept through to implementation.
After reviewing the entries from more than a dozen students, a judging panel selected the proposal by Gabija, Souad and Andrada for both the quality of its design and professionalism of its presentation. The students were commissioned to transform their concept into the final artwork.
Contributions from the community
Local schoolchildren were invited to submit their designs for toys they would like to see in a toy swap. Pupils Carter, Kaja, Mary, Mia and Zosia from Our Lady of the Visitation Primary all submitted brilliant ideas that were then incorporated into the mural design.
To ensure the mural will last for many years to come, London mural experts Paint Your Planet won the contract to support the students in converting a graphic design file into a 42x2m mural. They used recycled paint to create the base coat then used virtual reality to translate the design from a computer file to sketches on the wall.
Reflecting on the project, Dr Onol said:
“This was such an exciting project that gave students valuable experience of professional presentation, collaboration, client communication and public-facing design practice. The students worked hard to make it a reality. The project demonstrates our programme’s emphasis on real-world engagement, community impact and employability.”
Student Souad Hakim commented:
“This project gave me valuable real-life experience of working with a client, collaborating with a team, managing feedback and understanding what it takes to deliver a public artwork. Painting alongside professional artists helped build my confidence and develop new practical skills that I couldn’t have learned in a classroom alone.”
