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)

National Society for Education in Art and Design

Design Council

British Institute of Interior Design

Inclusion: NASEN

 

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

Venue Type: 
Environment Centres
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The Hockerton Housing Project is the UK's first earth sheltered, self-sufficient ecological housing development. Since the completion of the houses in 1998 Hockerton Housing Project has established itself as an exemplar of sustainable development locally and nationally.

Venue Type: 
Castles
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As you sail up Loch Scresort towards the new landing stage on Rum, Kinloch Castle dominates the view at the head of the bay. Today it is surrounded by trees but early pictures show it in isolated splendour in open country. The Castle remains the most intact Edwardian country house in Britain.

Jacobean-style house with gardens and a working watermill
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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A passion for tradition and impressing guests inspired one man to transform a run-down country house and desolate landscape.

Ruin of a 14th-century Carthusian priory
Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
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Set amid woodland in North Yorkshire, this unusual monastery is the best preserved Carthusian priory in Britain.

Mount Grace Priory is the perfect tourist attraction for a relaxing and peaceful day out. Discover how the monks lived 600 years in the reconstructed monk’s cell and herb plot. 

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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This bizarre structure, in the shape of a pineapple, was built in 1761 as a folly to enjoy the fantastic views.

Extensive glasshouses and pineapple pits once grew a variety of exotic fruit and vegetables within these walls. 

Ongoing research, survey and repair work continues on the walls and is revealing a great deal of information for future consideration.

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the former curling and dipping pool and surrounding woodland.  

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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An outstanding display of English medieval carpentry, this mighty timber-framed barn is the largest cruck structure in Britain.

Built for Pershore Abbey in about 1325, it is over 42 metres (140 feet) long, with 18 cruck blades each made from a single oak tree. 

There were once other farm buildings and houses, and the abbot himself is known to have sometimes resided here.

Venue Type: 
Castles
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The first Belfast Castle was built by the Normans in Belfast city centre in the late 12th century. A second castle, made of stone and timber, was later constructed by Sir Arthur Chichester, Baron of Belfast, on the same site in 1611. 

Sadly, the castle burned down almost 100 years later, leaving only street names, such as Castle Place, to mark its location.

13th-century stone barn
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Great Barn in Great Coxwell village is the sole surviving part of a thriving 13th-century grange that once provided vital income to Beaulieu Abbey.

Built from Cotswold rubble-stone walling, the barn is an impressive reminder of the skills of the Gothic carpenters and the wealth of the great monastic orders.

It was a favourite of William Morris, who would regularly bring his guests to wonder at the structure. Morris called it 'unapproachable in its dignity'.

As you stand by the barn imagine the grange as it would have been with a windmill, pig farm and dairy herd.

18th-century merchant's house
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Rebuilt in 1743 after a fire, this merchant's house survives from Kingston-upon-Hull's international trading heyday.

The exterior of the House appears very plain but this simplicity is a typical feature of Palladian architecture. The present stone steps and railings at the front entrance were designed by Mr. Johnson in a Georgian style.

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
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Two ornamental gateways, once part of Portsmouth's defences.

King James's Gate (of 1687) has been moved, but Landport Gate (1760), once the principal entrance to Portsmouth and possibly based on a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor, remains in its original position.

The strategic position of Portsmouth and its vital importance for the defence of the Channel coast led to the development of a protective circuit of defences around the town.

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