A new mural designed by Westminster Illustration BA Honours student Jinxiao Huang, also known as Jeff, and co-developed by Illustration student Yudi Hong, also known as Iris, is bringing colour and creativity to the University’s Harrow Campus, following a campus-wide Augmented Reality (AR) Mural competition involving students from across the Art, Design and Visual Culture and Media and Communication courses.
The winning design was selected through a multi-stage process as part of a collaborative live project funded by the Quintin Hogg Trust (QHT), which supports projects that enhance the student experience and foster innovative learning environments. The mural was painted on site by a team of nine students and is part of an initiative to enhance the campus environment while offering students valuable real work experience.
The project was co-led by Senior Lecturers of the Illustration BA Honours course Emma Dodson and Alejandra Jimenez-Lopez. It was embedded into core curriculum through the Collaborative Practice module, which includes students from the Illustration BA Honours, Animation BA Honours and Graphic Design BA Honours courses, as well as students from the Sustainable Illustration module, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration.
As part of the process, student groups developed mural proposals over the first semester, which were then voted on by the wider University community. The top three designs were shortlisted and reviewed by a jury panel in January 2025, with Jeff’s artwork ultimately selected as the winner. The design was then refined and prepared for execution during the Spring semester.
Students behind the shortlisted mural concepts, including the two runners-up, were also invited to apply for roles on the execution team, helping to bring the winning vision to life as part of a collaborative team.
The final mural incorporates interactive elements using AR, showcasing how traditional and digital techniques can come together in public art. The mural celebrates various disciplines within the creative arts through stylised, energetic illustrations of figures engaged in artistic activities, ranging from filming to painting. It is a collective vision for a better future, illustrating how people can work together to solve both local and global challenges. The message behind the mural highlights the power of community collaboration in creating positive change and encourages viewers to feel hopeful, take action and become part of a shared journey toward sustainability and unity.
An initial example of how AR might extend the mural will be showcased at the mural’s unveiling, with this content further developing over the next academic year through open calls to students each semester. This is part of a two-year development plan.
Speaking about the project Alejandra Jimenez-Lopez said: “Our goal was to bring new life to Harrow Campus while showcasing the creativity of our students. The AR mural not only transforms the space visually but also gives students a chance to work on a live brief.”
Emma Dodson added: “Working as a team, students designed and painted a striking large-scale piece that now enlivens the Forum at Harrow. This vibrant artwork brings colour, energy and inspiration to everyone who visits the campus. From concept to completion, guided and supported by professional Illustrator David Meldrum, tutor Alejandra Jimenez Lopez and mural painter Miguel Fons, the select group of students navigated the challenges of working to a brief, collaborating with peers and executing a public-facing project with confidence and creativity.”
Jeff added: “I am honoured that our design was selected. The original design's meaning was the collaboration between students in different majors at the university. As the designer, I have to do my best with the mural.
“Watching how fast the progress was going was the most rewarding part of painting. This was my first experience working on such a massive scale. The mural will motivate the student community on Harrow campus in terms of collaboration and motivate me as well. I’d like to thank you all for your support, I am looking forward to the upcoming AR design.”
This project directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about Art, Design and Visual Culture courses at Westminster.
Related articles
