At the root of this initiative, designed for the Grimshaw Foundation, was the use of architecture as a ‘meaning maker’. KS3 students (from 8 state schools) were empowered to develop their understanding of the roles of design and materials to shape sustainable and innovative architecture.

Over 2 years, each student attended 3 workshops that blended multiple learning approaches with an exploration from global to local, linking to Art, Design Technology, Geography, Maths and Science curriculum.

Inspired by the EDEN project and hex component structures designed by Grimshaw, some students worked in teams with architect volunteers to collaboratively build a complex dome in the Grimshaw studio. Other students were inspired by Grimshaw’s Pulkovo Airport and the concept of ‘folding architecture’. They tested the strength and efficiency of folded paper structures before collaboratively building a complex folded surface in the Grimshaw Studio.

Students also discovered sustainable buildings local to their school; The ‘Straw Bale House’ by Sarah Wigglesworth Architects and ‘Here East’ with UCL and Plexal. Through mapping, measuring, sketching and discussion, they explored why each building was sustainable and created a 3D response. 134 students explored the materials (many recycled or a carbon store) used in the ‘Straw Bale House’. 128 students responded to the adaptable modular structure of ‘Here East’ by designing their own creative LAB to scale with some truly imaginative responses.

47 creative professionals volunteered on the programme including Grimshaw architects and model makers. Students noted their raised awareness and ambition for potential career pathways into architecture and creative industries and the importance of Art or Design and Technology GCSEs to these.

We translated the education programme into a comprehensive resource pack for school teachers and creative educators to access freely, incorporating lesson plans, factsheets, presentations and CAD files.