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ATU Launches “Seats of Learning” Design Competition Honouring Ursuline Legacy
Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has launched an open design competition inviting its graduates to imagine a pair of bespoke wooden chairs and a conversation table titled “Seats of Learning.” The pieces, when made, will symbolise the enduring relationship between ATU and the Ursuline Order, celebrating the educational legacy of St. Angela’s College and its amalgamation with ATU.
Crafted from naturally fallen timber—including oak from St. Angela’s grounds in Sligo and Oregon maple from Trinity College Dublin—the furniture will embody the values of education, sustainability, and heritage. The completed pieces will be gifted by ATU to the Ursuline Order in recognition of their gift of the St. Angela’s campus to the University in November 2023.
Graduates from any ATU discipline are invited to submit an expression of interest outlining their skills, experience, and initial design concepts. Selected applicants will progress to phase two, where they will develop full proposals. Each shortlisted designer will receive €500 towards the preparation of their final submission, and the overall commission carries a project budget of up to €15,000.
Designs will be assessed on craftsmanship, symbolism, sustainability, and functionality. The chosen design will be fabricated using timber prepared and kiln-dried at ATU Connemara’s facilities, with the final unveiling to take place at ATU’s St Angela’s campus in 2026.
Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said the project reflects ATU’s dual commitment to creativity and heritage:
The Seats of Learning project captures ATU’s values of education, sustainability, and connection to community. It is a celebration of how art and craftsmanship can tell the story of place and purpose, linking our new university’s future to the historic legacy of those who shaped education in the region. It is also a gesture of deep gratitude to the Ursuline Order for their gift to us.
Paul Leamy, Head of Department of Furniture Design & Technology at the Connemara campus, said the commission provides a valuable platform for graduates to showcase their skill and innovation:
This project will highlight the exceptional talent within our graduate community and the enduring importance of making and material understanding. Using timber sourced from two historic educational sites, the work will stand as a lasting symbol of collaboration, respect, and creative excellence.
Key dates include:
- Phase One Submission Deadline: 9 January 2026
- Phase Two Submission Deadline: 30 March 2026
- Winner Announced: 15 May 2026
- Commission Commences: June 2026
Interested graduates should email alumni@atu.ie to receive an information pack and submission details. For further information please go to: https://www.atu.ie/connect/alumni/seats-of-learning
Photo Caption: Dr Orla Flynn, ATU President with Paul Leamy, Head of Department of Furniture Design & Technology at ATU discussing the “Seats of Learning” with Sr Moya Hegarty and Sr Marianne O Connor from the Ursuline Order, during a visit to ATU’s St Angela’s campus. Trees that fell during recent storms at ATU St Angela’s will be used to create the seat.
Aidan Haughey
Communications Manager
Tel: +353 87 961 8355
