Design Seminar

In February 2003 the Council engaged experienced architectural consultants to facilitate a design workshop.   This gave the Council an opportunity to engage the different stakeholder groups for the Education 2010 PPP project in providing a forum to consider the current approaches to design aesthetics and environments for school buildings.   The aim of the workshop was to ensure that the final brief met education and aesthetic aspirations whilst taking cognisance of personal values.

Representatives attending this workshop included Council elected members, the Education 2010 project board and project team, the Department of Education's senior management team, Educational advisers, Secondary, Primary and Nursery Head Teachers, the Department of Community Services management team and facilities managers, the Design Services division, the Department of Planning, Parents' Consultative groups and Teaching Unions.

The design workshop comprised a half-hour presentation of the strategic importance of design followed by small group discussions about various design issues.   The discussion groups were given an opportunity to express their own thoughts regarding the design of schools and guide the design brief.

An important conclusion from the feedback made during this consultation exercise was that the same themes and concerns feature throughout the workshop groups.   It is clear that the general wish is for:

"Places and spaces to inspire which, whilst putting children first, will be welcoming to pupils, teachers and other users alike.   The designs must provide a striking visual image of interesting form and character and within which the process of learning can be followed by all".

The feedback responses were presented visually and can be viewed by clicking on mood boards.

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