Design My Learning Space Live!

A hub of creativity and the BSEC 2010 (Building Schools Exhibition and Conference)

Students and teachers from 10 BSF schools teamed up with 10 young architecture practices to explore design ideas. The event was organised by Surface to Air in conjunction with EC Harris, Building Magazine and the RIBA Young Practitioners Panel.

Together with six keen students from Hounslow Manor School we explored the school’s ambitious brief focusing on accommodating different learning styles and facilitating communication within the school and with the wider community. Our design looked at:

- adaptable teaching spaces suitable for different group sizes and types of learning, with display opportunities to communicate ideas and project outcomes

- active circulation zones with small-scale learning and break-out spaces

- a generous and centrally located hub and meeting/studying space housing different functions for school and wider community, from e-learning café, event space to everyday study zones

- a welcoming entrance area communicating the school’s ethos and

- external spaces inspiring outdoor learning and socialising and offering a range of creative, healthy living activities for break and lesson time.

The jury highly commended our designs and we enjoyed a bottle of champagne after a fun, hectic, full-on day in the Excel Centre.