Design

Design

Most of what we see in the world which is man-made is there by design, whether that be good or bad is a matter of opinion, but it is a crucial aspect of this subject that both the creative and logistical sides of the topic are discussed in full. Undertaking trips is a great way to generate debate, inspire students creatively and also make them think about implications of things such as location, weather, longevity, colour, shape, materials, texture interaction with the surrounding environment, design history, fashion and fads.

Trips for design are very often either practical workshops or visits to museums, buildings or venues which have exhibits or themselves designed to inspire students to think creatively or logistically. Great examples include a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum in London, to view the Eden Project in Cornwall or the Sage arena in Gateshead from a design perspective.

Often trips will lead to major follow-up projects in the classroom which will include both practical and theoretical session, and other topics such as Physics or Technology can be involved. 

Due to the nature of the practical sessions which often take place on design-based trips, the implications for safety are very important and increased attention should be paid to the suitability fo the activities, the tools being used and also ensuring the students are well-briefed, wear any protective equipment or clothing at all times and behave themselves.

Or you could be inspired by visiting design icons such as the Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery or even the studios of Aardman Animations.

Main organisations:

Design and Technology Association (DATA) (link is external)

National Society for Education in Art and Design (link is external)

Design Council (link is external)

British Institute of Interior Design (link is external)

Inclusion: NASEN (link is external)

 

For a complete list of venues and providers who deliver specialist courses and activities for this subject see below:

Fountains Abbey

Cistercian abbey, elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park
Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
Overall Rating: 
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For centuries people have been drawn to this inspiring place.

From humble beginnings the magnificent abbey was established by devout monks seeking a simpler existence. The atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world.

When the socially ambitious John Aislabie inherited Studley Royal, he set about creating an elegant water garden of mirror-like ponds, statues and follies, incorporating the romantic ruins into his design.

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Mount Stewart

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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The exotic luxuriance of Mount Stewart's celebrated gardens, created in the 1920s by Edith, Lady Londonderry has helped make it one of Northern Ireland's most popular Trust's properties with all the family. Nominated as a world heritage site, the impressive landscape garden makes the most of the unique microclimate of the Ards peninsula and boasts magnificent views across Strangford Lough from the romantically idyllic Temple of the Winds.

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Middleton Hall

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Middleton Hall is a "unique" Grade II-listed country house in Staffordshire. The hall shows evidence of several phases of English domestic architecture from the late thirteenth to the early nineteenth century. There is a fine Great Hall that is of Tudor origin, which makes a classic setting for weddings, for performances and for parties.

The Hall was the home of some notable people and was visited by many figures from history. Included among these is Queen Elizabeth I, who certainly spent two nights under its roof after the festivities at Kenilworth in 1575.

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Dinefwr

12th-century Welsh castle, historic house and 18th-century landscape park, enclosing a medieval deer park
Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
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A magical land of power and influence for more than 2,000 years, Dinefwr Park and Castle is an iconic place in the history of Wales. Two forts are evidence of a dominant Roman presence. The powerful Lord Rhys held court at Dinefwr and influenced decisions in Wales.

The visionaries, George and Cecil Rice designed the superb 18th-century landscape that you see today.

The 'hands-on' Newton House gives visitors an atmospheric circa 1912 experience. Exhibitions on the first floor tell Dinefwr's story and inspire visitors to explore the castle and park.

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Felbrigg Hall, Gardens and Estate

Truly a hidden gem
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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One of the most elegant country houses in East Anglia, the Hall is a place of surprises and delights, a mixture of opulence and homeliness where each room has something to feed the imagination. From the stained glass windows in the great hall to the nodding mandarins in the chinese bedroom; from Queen Mary's teapot in the dining room to the copper pans in the kitchen. Story boxes for the children help explain some of the history of the house.

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Little Clarendon

Late 15th-century stone house
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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Little Clarendon was built in the late 15th century for a family of some local distinction, but its origins and early history remain mysterious.

It was sold to Reverend George Engleheart and his wife in 1901 with several acres of land and two cottages. They restored Little Clarendon, reopening fire places, exposing the beamed ceilings and making repairs. The house is furnished as it was in their day.

Engleheart set up greenhouses and long numbered beds with broad grass walks between them for his daffodils of which he bred many important new varieties.

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Hartlepool's Maritime Experience

The North's Premier Maritime Attraction
Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
Overall Rating: 
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Hartlepool's Maritime Experience, (formerly known as Hartlepool Historic Quay) is a superb re-creation of an 18th century seaport and a fantastic place to visit for families, groups and schools - in fact everybody. It brings to life the time of Nelson, Napoleon and the Battle of Trafalgar.

Travel back in our mari-time machine to experience how it was aboard a real British naval frigate, two centuries ago. Explore the historic quayside, featuring 'Pressganged', 'Fighting Ships', realistic period shops and houses and much more.

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Broughton Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Broughton Castle is a moated and fortified manor house near Banbury in North Oxfordshire. Set in parkland and built of the rich local Hornton ironstone, it was selected by Simon Jenkins as one of only twenty to be awarded five stars in his book England’s Thousand Best Houses.

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Great Chalfield Manor and Garden

Charming 15th-century manor house with Arts and Crafts garden
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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This beautiful medieval manor sits in peaceful countryside. Cross the upper moat, passing barns, gatehouse and delightful parish church to enjoy fine oriel windows and the soldiers, griffons and monkey adorning the rooftops.

Romantic gardens offer terraces, topiary houses, gazebo, lily pond, roses and views across the spring-fed fishpond.

You are welcome to visit the Parish Church when you visit (not National Trust), donations are welcome.

Great Chalfield Manor House is home to the donor family tenants, who manage the house on behalf of the Trust.

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Gunby Hall and Gardens

A homely country house dated 1700 set in Victorian walled gardens at the foot of the Lincolnshire Wolds
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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‘I could live here!’, is what most people say when visiting Gunby Hall and Gardens. Modest-sized rooms full of character and charm make it easy to imagine you can move in yourself.

With links to Tennyson, Darwin and Vaughan-Williams there is so much to discover about the family home of the Massingberd family.

Explore three floors of the hall full of interesting collection pieces amassed over generations from 1700 until 1963. Chat to our room guides to find out stories about Gunby’s interesting past.

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