Last Friday, our London Studio hosted thirty Year 10 Technology students from Camden’s Acland Burghley School.
Set against the inspiring backdrop of the iconic Barbican estate, the visit kicked off an exciting student project tied to the school’s ambitious “Hall for All” campaign, which aims to transform their Grade 2 Listed Brutalist Assembly Hall into a world-class performing arts venue.
To maximize the experience, the thirty students were split into two groups of fifteen. While one group headed out to explore the surrounding concrete landmarks on a ‘Golden Lane and Barbican Architecture’ Walking Tour, the other half joined us inside the studio for a hands-on architectural workshop coordinated by our Head of Culture, Izzy Watson.
Building the Foundations of Design
The highlight of the studio session was an interactive masterplanning exercise presented by Izzy. After an introduction on our practice and projects and some principles of design, the fifteen students were divided into three teams of five. Armed with Duplo blocks, they were given just 20 minutes to collaboratively design and lay out their own neighbourhood masterplans.
To guide their structural visions, the students were challenged to ground their Duplo masterplans in seven key architectural principles from the presentation:
- Brief & Budget: Balancing client expectations with financial constraints.
- Context & Compliance: Navigating the realities of site surroundings and planning conditions.
- Massing: Determining the physical volume and shape of their proposed structures.
- Environment: Accounting for the natural impact of land, wind, sun, and aspect.
- Function: Ensuring the building uses actually work in practice for the occupants.
- Movement: Orchestrating the safe flow of cars, bikes, people, and servicing.
- Details & Delight: Adding those essential finishing touches and the ultimate “wow” factor.
