Participation
The A Factor: Schools Design Programme
Newcastle & Gateshead
May - June 2007
Nine architectural assistants recently worked with three schools on the A Factor, which challenged pupils to design a new 'Think Bubble' for their school grounds - a space in which to play or learn in ways not possible within an ordinary classroom. Pupils from Atkinson Road Primary School, Kepier Chare Primary School and Whickham Parochial CE Primary School learned all about regional and national contemporary architecture, played games to test their architectural knowledge and got creative, designing learning spaces for the future and making models of their favourite designs.
Teamwork was essential throughout this project, since most pupils worked in teams to develop a concept for their 'Think Bubble', debated about the best ways of using the spaces they designed and presented their ideas in the form of drawings and 3-D models. Whilst many pupils used traditional pen and paper to illustrate their ideas, one class even learned how to use the Google Sketchup programme to develop their designs.
All pupils did a fantastic job of thinking about ways learning might expand beyond the traditional classroom, some to the extreme of designing a performance stage to hold concerts in out-of school hours, and others deciding on a hotel-style concept, where pupils could stay over to complete project work when the school day just isn't long enough!
All the pupils' work was exhibited alongside final year degree students' work at Newcastle University's 'Multiplicity' degree show during Architecture Week 2007.
Comments:
'It was fun and challenging. My favourite part of it was making the model. I felt happy and excited.' (Pupil, Kepier Chare Primary School)
'Children were inspired by the idea of creating something that they coud use within the school environment; They were encouraged to think of exciting designs, inspired by futuristic building designs shown on slideshow. They enjoyed creating models using reclaimed materials, and having the whole day to do this was exciting.' (Class Teacher, Whickham Parochial CE Primary School)
