Interspace: The Architect’s Office

Pupils in Carlisle have just spent an exciting few weeks in the world of contemporary architecture. Working with architect Rod Hughes of Ad Hoc Associates, students at Newlaithes Junior School established and ran an architect’s office within the school. The project continued the theme of the first year Change School programme entitled ‘Interspace’ where the children have been investigating the spaces in and around the school. Sixteen children were involved, two from each class (aged 7 to 11yrs) who were identified as having special skills in art and mathematics.

Pupils experienced design, modelling, measuring, resourcing, research and presentation. In doing so they worked in teams and had to accept and reject ideas, vote on designs and sub-contract to each other. They were encouraged to evaluate their own work and to give group presentations.

Anne Summers, deputy headteacher who has been co-ordinating the project said, “It has been a pleasure working with Rod Hughes and observing the way he has introduced the children to life in an architect’s office. He gave them so much responsibility and respected their ideas and contributions- often developing their skills beyond those used in a normal classroom.

Children found they enjoyed 'working together and getting ideas from each other' and have honed their critical skills, learning how to 'judge each other's work according to fair criteria'.

Rod Hughes commented, ' I enjoyed listening to everyone's ideas - it was refreshing to listen to amazing and stimulating ideas from the children.'

The final afternoon of the project was a presentation to the whole school and governors by each of the four architect's groups. The Chair of Governors said, “I thought the presentations were very professional, given in an adult manner (even including costings) and as a whole the school was very proud of the way the children responded to the project.”
For more information contact Newlaithes Junior School, Carlisle on 01228 607534