Design 11

The latest challenge for Design 11 students was to develop a concept for an “Inspiration Space,” to be sited on our Brentwood campus. Over the last four weeks student groups have been applying the first three steps of the design thinking process (empathizing, defining and ideating) to create a multi-faith inspiration/contemplation space as a contemporary interpretation of the chapel that once served the original Brentwood campus. Students have researched examples of ritual architecture, from cathedrals to tea houses, and scouted the Brentwood campus in search of the optimal site to offer tranquility and perspective. 

After an initial round in which each student presented concept drawings and notes to the class, teams were formed to flesh out the seven strongest proposals, drawing on the contributions of all involved. This week, each team has prepared presentation boards featuring plan drawings, images of building materials and furnishings, a written rationale and a graphic concept drawing or logo to sum up the spirit of the project. 

On Monday, May 16th, Design 11 presenters were joined in the Lecture Theatre by Graham Oglend, of Christine Lintott Architects (the designers behind the Centre for Arts and Humanities), Facilities Manager Tom Shadlock & Marketing and Communications Director Ian McPherson. Our guests offered a mix of insightful and pragmatic observations on everything from the optimal length for a walkway between buildings, to the engineering requirements for a glass-floored building to the relative merits of a room without windows. It was a terrific opportunity for the students to present their ideas to an audience whose concerns extend beyond our Design 11 studio.

Next up: prototyping!

Mrs. Julie Luna