ARCHITECTURE WORKSHOPS:
Receive a discounted rate when you book both workshops together.
May Half Term 2025
Introduction to Architecture : Tower Challenge
Date: 27 May 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Cost: £50 (includes all materials and refreshments)
Age: students aged 11+ with a creative spark and an interest in design, architecture, or problem-solving
Get ready to think like an architect and build like an engineer! In this extended, hands-on session, students will explore how tall structures stand, sway, and stay upright under pressure. You’ll experiment with different design strategies and materials to construct the tallest, strongest tower you can—while still making it look great.
What You’ll Do:
1. Discover the Basics of Structural Design - Explore how architects and engineers approach height, stability, and strength -Learn about load-bearing techniques, centre of gravity, tension vs. compression, and bracing -Look at inspiring examples—from skyscrapers to observation towers
2. Plan Your Build -Choose to work solo or in a small group -Sketch out your initial design ideas -Think about balance, base size, materials, and how your tower might handle stress or movement
3. Build, Test, and Improve -Use a mix of simple materials (like card, straws, tape, string, skewers, etc.) to start building your structure
4. Final Showcase & Friendly Competition -Measure and compare everyone's structures -Celebrate creative thinking, unexpected solutions, and standout designs -Share what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d try next time
May Half Term 2025
Introduction to Architecture : Reimagine the Bus Shelter
Date: 27 May 2025
Time: 13:30-16:30
Cost: £50 (includes all materials and refreshments)
Age: students aged 11+ with a creative spark and an interest in design, architecture, or problem-solving
In this practical, design-led session, students will step into the shoes of an urban designer to tackle a real-world challenge: how can we make bus shelters better? From shelter and visibility to comfort, accessibility, and even aesthetics, this is a chance to reimagine an everyday structure with fresh eyes and bold ideas.
What You’ll Do:
1. Understand the Challenge -Look at real examples of bus stops around the world—both clever and questionable -Discuss what makes a good public space: function, user experience, shelter, safety, and sustainability -Explore constraints and real-world considerations (materials, budget, local environment, accessibility)
2. Design Brief & Concept Development -Take on the design brief: create a new kind of bus shelter for your local community or a location of your choice -Consider: Who uses the shelter? What problems could your design solve? Could it be solar-powered? Green-roofed? Multi-functional? -Sketch out your ideas and plan the space with people in mind
3. Model Making -Build a scale model of your bus shelter using recyclable and craft materials -Focus on form, structure, and features—like seating, weather protection, lighting, or art -Refine and adapt your design as you build, thinking about real-world use and construction
4. Present & Reflect -Share your bus shelter model with the group and talk through your ideas -Give and receive feedback on what works, what’s innovative, and what could be developed further -Reflect on the importance of design in everyday public spaces
INTERIORS WORKSHOPS:
Receive a discounted rate when you book both workshops together.
May Half Term 2025
Introduction to Interior Design: Design a Restaurant
Date: 28 May 2025
Time: 9:30 – 12:30
Cost: £50 (includes all materials and refreshments)
Age: Suitable for students aged 11+
What You’ll Do:
1. Discover Your Concept -Explore what makes a restaurant memorable—from ambience to menu and theme -Brainstorm your own original concept: cuisine, target audience, and signature style -Think about the kind of experience you want to create for your guests
2. Create a Moodboard -Gather colours, images, textures, and keywords that reflect your restaurant's identity -Build a physical or digital moodboard to explore your chosen theme -Get inspired by different styles—from sleek minimalism to rustic countryside charm
3. Design Your Layout & Choose Finishes -Sketch a basic layout including zones like dining, kitchen, and bar -Select furniture, lighting, materials, and décor to match your theme -Plan your space for flow, atmosphere, and customer comfort
4. Share & Reflect -Present your restaurant concept and walk through your design -Explain the choices behind your theme, layout, and design elements -Receive feedback and reflect on your creative process
May Half Term 2025
Introduction to Interior Architecture: Loft Apartment
Date: 28 May 2025
Time: 13:30-16:30
Cost: £50 (includes all materials and refreshments)
Age: Suitable for ages 11+
Ever dreamed of designing your own living space? In this hands-on workshop, students will step into the role of interior architect to design a modern loft apartment. From open-plan layouts and mezzanine beds to clever storage and lighting ideas, this session is all about style, space, and smart design.
What You’ll Do:
1. Learn the Basics of Loft Design -Discover what makes a loft apartment unique—open layouts, tall ceilings, natural light, and industrial style -Explore real-life examples of inspiring loft interiors -Discuss how designers plan small spaces for both function and comfort
2. Create Your Own Layout -Choose a design brief (e.g. creative studio loft, cosy city flat, or live-work space) -Sketch a floor plan that includes zones for sleeping, cooking, working, and relaxing -Plan your space to maximise flow, light, and personality
3. Create a Mood Board -Add details like furniture, colour palettes, lighting, and design features -Bring your vision to life in a hands-on, creative way 4. Share & Reflect -Present your design to the group -Talk through your ideas and design decisions -Reflect on what worked well and what you might do differently next time
GRAPHICS WORKSHOPS:
Receive a discounted rate when you book both workshops together.
May Half Term 2025
Interior Graphic Design: From Nature to Design-Drawing, Digitising & Designing
Date: 29 May 2025
Time: 9:30 -12:30
Cost: £50 (including materials and refreshments)
Age: Suitable for ages 11+
Love to draw? Curious about graphic design? This hands-on workshop is the perfect intro to turning your sketches into awesome digital designs! We’ll explore how nature can spark creativity and how to bring your ideas to life using both traditional and digital tools.
What Students Will Do:
1. Introduction to Graphic Design:
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Learn what graphic design is and explore examples of nature-inspired designs.
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Discuss how natural forms are used in products like logos, patterns, and stationery.
2. From Drawing to Design:
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Nature Sketching: Choose a botanical or animal subject and create detailed sketches. Simplify shapes using tracing techniques.
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Stylising for Design: Turn sketches into clean, bold graphic motifs using pens or markers. Experiment with design techniques like line art, symmetry, and patterns.
3. Digitise & Create:
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Scan or photograph drawings to digitise them. o Use AI tools to refine designs and create mock-ups for products like stickers or T-shirts.
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Produce at least one polished digital product mock-up.
4. Final Showcase & Reflection:
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Display designs in a mini exhibition for peer feedback.
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Reflect on the creative process and discuss future design possibilities.
And if you want, you’ll have the chance to get your design professionally printed on cool products after the session!
May Half Term 2025
Interior Graphic Design: Luke Dixon Portraits
Dates: 29 May 2025
Time: 13:30-16:30
Cost: £50 (including materials and refreshments)
Age: Suitable for ages 11+
Inspired by the bold, expressive style of Luke Dixon, this workshop dives into the art of portrait drawing with a modern twist. You'll learn how to take a simple photo and turn it into a layered, eye-catching illustration using ink, fine liners, and pops of colour.
What You’ll Get Up To:
1. Study the Style: -Get to know Luke Dixon’s graphic approach to portraiture -Look at how line, texture, and layering create impact and personality
2. Draw from Reference:
-Choose a reference photo (or bring your own!) -Use layering to build energy and depth into your work.
3. Inking & Accents:
-Experiment with fine liners and ink to create strong, confident line work
-Add selective colour to make your portraits pop -Discover tips for texture, contrast, and dynamic composition
4. Final Touches & Sharing:
-Refine your piece and get feedback in a relaxed group share
-Leave with a finished portrait illustration and fresh ideas to keep creating
This session is perfect if you want to push your style, explore bold techniques, and walk away with a portrait that really *pops*.
