Steven Lawrence Foundation Mentoring

I'm not sure if I mentioned in the past my link with the Stephen Lawrence foundation or not, so today, having yesterday been to view the 'One and Eight' Steven Lawrence Foundation Bursuary program exhibition, seems like a good time to mention it. For two years now I have been a mentor to an architecture student from a disadvantage London background. As an architecture student myself that has made lots of mistakes along the way, I felt I could pass on my knowledge, both theoretical and practical to another student. Through the Stephen Lawrence Center, I was paired with one of their bursary students, and now regularly meet up him to discuss his work, attend exhibitions and talks of use, and generally ensure his architectural and personal well being.  It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Sadly the scheme is not running this year as funds have been cut, but it will resume next year. For now however you can see some of the work produced by the bursary students at the following exhibition:

http://stephenlawrence.org.uk/one-and-eight-an-exhibition-celebrating-the-work-of-bursary-students

No one puts Teddy in the corner.....

I have recently started studying for my Post Graduate Diploma of Architecture at The University for the Creative Arts, Canterbury. Our first project was a design competition set in the Market Square in Dover. Our task was to design a fountain cover to protect the existing fountain from damage during both public events, during which the square was used to screen public events (olympics, wimbedon etc) , and  during cold winter months. My design consisted of a creating a giant pink teddy bean bag (see pictures below) which would provide a comfortable place to relax for all. See details of my entry below.

Design Synopsis:

Centred around Dover Councils desire to create the feeling of a ‘Living Room’ within Market Square, Nounours ( French for teddy bear) is aimed at creating a comfortable and homely space within the centre of the city. Questioning ideas of what defines public and private space, the installation allows the use to engage in behaviour only previously undertaken within the home- allowing them to lie down and ‘snuggle up’ to watch the Big Screen. In addition, the installation allows for new types of activity in the space such as book readings, and open air cinema events- the position of the bear being able to be changed accordingly. The design is both playful and purposeful- fitting in with MUF’s three principles for development in Dover, as outlined in their document in 2009, and in addition with the Dover Museum’s year long exhibition entitled ‘Our Childhood Past.’ What’s more....it’s a whole lot of fun

Details for the winning design will be on Dover Councils website early next year........ http://www.dover.gov.uk/