| |
‘CREATIVE SPACES’ competition (CITB / NCW 2004)
Netherhall School & Sixth Form College, Cambridge
‘Mentoring’ Workshop 1, January 15 2004: a participant’s report
|
|
| |
The morning had started as any other, with registration. Leaving early with another member of the ‘Creative Spaces’ team. When we reached the room; being a larger room of the art department, just in front of the courtyard were we would eventually be working on. We had not been told much about the day to come, I knew it was based on the idea of building a new space, but with a name like ‘Creative Spaces’ it is slightly self-explanatory.
We entered the room; the team had set up a computer slide show for us. We took our seats and Ben started us off. He told us about the idea of modern architecture. The idea of making things more than a function or even fine architecture, but to have a certain extra ingredient “X” about them. As the slide show started and they worked through the many pictures of the latest buildings the challenge was on. At that moment I couldn’t wait to get going, the simple thought of being able at least to design a building with such impact was overpowering.
We talked about the basics of designing a building. Finding out what the functions are, where it will be and what people want out of it. We built on the idea of what people want out of it with a group task. The task was to design a building with multiple functions (the multiple being two). Ben handed out pictures on envelopes, with a second picture inside. These two things would be what our building would be based around.
Our first picture was of a child doing some woodwork. We worked out this was some form of lesson, or workshop set up for children to experiment and learn about construction. When we opened the envelope our second picture was a bit of a puzzle. It was of an adult man working on a building; this came as some what of a shock. We had been expecting something completely different and we had been given the same thing, just with a different age group.
After consulting with Ben, we decided it was a form of building team. So now we knew what to make; a building with a construction function but for children and adults. Obviously the adults would be working in more of a serious situation, building other buildings.
As a team we decided to each draw our own version, and then bring together our ideas. Drawing is a great passion of mine and I found this part of the project a great joy. We brought together our ideas, writing down the best things we had thought of. We decided on a multi building set up. Separate buildings for adults and for children. With the adults in a larger, tall building and children in low down classroom style buildings. We decided on windows that would allow the children to watch the adults from outside. Also a staircase running around the building (it being circular), so that people could look down at the work that was being done.
All in all I was impressed with the work we had done. We had added other areas and small structures to accommodate other needs, such as food. I was chosen to stand up in front of the other groups and tell them about what we had done. We were the last group, but that was fine. It was very enjoyable to watch what the other groups had done; things like concert halls with noodle bars and suspended buildings. I felt slightly worried because I didn’t feel our building was as outrageous.
But when it came to my time to speak I had a good reception. People liked the way we had thought about it, trying to bring in everyday things that all people needed into the project. These would include basics like the toilet, but I think it was more the way it was presented and set out they liked not the function. This showed me that there was a real skill designing buildings. That to truly make a good building it needed that extra ingredient “X.”
The day had just begun; our next project would be to build a 3D model of a new space. It would have in the school area and accommodate new needs for performance and workshop space.
Back in my team we decided we would ‘steal’ the backfield, a very good choice, as it was a large area with nothing there currently. It would be a hall, with a stage and a space behind that stage for building things. We slowly built on our ideas, changing things as we went. It became oval shaped with timber supports, a brick base then glass and a brick top. On top of all that would be a roof garden. It was becoming very nice, with a good sense of materials and use. It was extremely functional in my opinion, leaving no space to be wasted.
We watched the other groups show their work it was all very interesting. Some people hadn’t even made a building; they had left their area open top. Once again I felt our building was slightly mundane in comparison. But I was proved wrong, it was given a great audience and it came over very well.
All in all the half day was definitely a successful way of starting the project. I am now looking forward to the next workday (February 9th). I will let you know how that goes soon after that.
Stuart Ritson
Year 9
|
|
|
