Inspiring our next generation of designers

A Level Design Technology students have been inspired by studying in a the brand new Sixth Form College building to base their A2 coursework on creating similar new architectural designs .

The class have worked hard over the last term to design and create models of new buildings to a specified brief. On Thursday, they waited nervously by their models awaiting a professional critique of their work from by urban design professionals’ Urban Vision’ of Burslem. Many students chose to create models for projects they had identified in the local area. Rob Melville, formerly of Holden Lane High School, chose to spend his work experience back in year 10 with Wood Goldstraw Yorath. During his placement there Rob worked on a project to demonstrate to a client the case for building a new house rather than buying one. Rob designed an eco house to be situated by a lakeside and explained “During my placement I designed a building that would fit well into a lakeside environment. I carefully chose the materials to include glass and wooden panelling so the house would blend in with its surroundings and opted for a butterfly shape roof, again to accentuate the theme of nature. I did not think back then that three years later I would be returning to my designs to create a model of the piece for my A level. I have really enjoyed being able to continue with the project through my education and develop my ideas further. I plan to send the practice a photograph of my final model and some of project work so that they can see just how vital and influential my placement with them was.”

We wish Rob well with his A-levels and look forward to seeing how his house project has evolved from his early sketches and ideas as he and his design skills have matured.