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

Venues for this Curriculum

Traditional Carmarthenshire farmhouse in an unspoilt setting

Aberdeunant is a traditional Carmarthenshire farmhouse providing an insight into former agricultural life in Wales. A National Trust gem, completely unspoilt and open to visitors by booking onto a scheduled tour.

We've come a long way! Our museum is quite small but contains a wealth of exhibits relating to the history of the village and its inhabitants. We have a large collection of documents relating to the population over the years and our curator is happy to help visitors seeking family information.

One of the Trust's most delightful medieval buildings, enhanced by a cottage garden

Acquired in 1903, this unusual and atmospheric 14th-century yeoman's farmhouse is the Trust's first built property in Cornwall. With a famously wavy slate roof and over 600 years of history it beckons the curious to explore.

The name dates from the Victorian period when it briefly held a licence to be the letter receiving station for the district.

Rambling Suffolk farmhouse built around 1600

Thorington Hall is one of the best timber-framed houses in Suffolk. Building phases determine its unusual shape and it may also be because adjoining buildings have since been demolished. The staggered roofline, for example, shows the difference between the 1630 house and 1700 extension.

Surrounded by beauty... steeped in history

An intimate family home, the history of The Vyne spans the centuries. From its royal beginnings in Tudor times to its place today as a intriguing retreat for you to explore, you can lose yourself in the surroundings that inspired great authors such as Jane Austen.

The Studio aims to provide a complete conservation service for historic textiles

Our only in-house conservation treatment facility, the Textile Conservation Studio was founded in 1976 at Blickling Hall in Norfolk. Since 2002, the Textile Conservation Studio has been based in a specially converted, award-winning building on the Blickling estate.

A Low, stone-built medieval hall, set in the picturesque countryside of Derbyshire.

Norbury Manor, former seat of the Fitzherbert family, is just a short drive from Sudbury Hall and Kedleston Hall near Derby. The hall is a very rare example of a medieval hall built on the first floor, once forming part of the private apartments of the Fitzherbert family.

In 1290 Queen Eleanor, wife of Edward 1, died at Harby in Nottinghamshire, aged 49. As her funeral procession brought her body back to be buried at Westminster Abbey, Edward decreed that lavish crosses should be erected in her memory at each of the stopping off points along the way.

Situated just outside St Albans are the remains of Old Gorhambury House, a once immense mansion constructed in 1563-8 by the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, Sir Nicholas Bacon. A prolific builder, Sir Nicholas spent many years expanding and adapting the residence - the showpiece of which was undoubtedly an elaborate and expensive porch adorning the entrance.

A little-known gem, Gainsborough Old Hall is among the biggest and best-preserved medieval manor houses in England. It is part timber-framed but mostly brick-built. It was built in the latter part of the 15th century with Elizabethan additions, and has an impressive kitchen with an enormous fireplace, a noble great hall, and an imposing lodgings tower.

A traditional English pub

The Fleece Inn is the perfect rural retreat just a stone's throw from the beautiful Cotswold's boasting roaring open fires for the winter months, open garden and apple orchard for the summer sun and a friendly welcome all year round.

The most famous pub in Belfast

Wonderful atmospheric setting, with period gas lighting and cosy snugs. Ornate interior of brightly coloured tiles, carvings and glass.

Fine two-storey granite building dating from c.1537

Dartmoor offers something for everyone; walking, rambling, riding, cycling, running or just plain, good old-fashioned sight-seeing. 

Atmospheric Irish gentry house and wooded riverside estate

Built in the 1820s, this handsome Irish gentry house is surrounded by its 320-acre wooded riverside estate. The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900. The eclectic interior still evoking the family's tastes and interests.

Handsome town house, with architectural features from various eras and riverside walled garden

Handsome town house, with architectural features from various eras and a riverside walled garden.

Fiddleford is a medieval manor house, completed in about 1370.

One of the finest examples of Robert Adam's neoclassical architecture in Ireland

One of the few works in Ireland by the renowned Scottish neoclassical architect Robert Adam.

The mausoleum was built in 1789 for the Rt. Hon. Arthur Upton and is situated in the grounds of Castle Upton.

An historical estate with a neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of landscaped gardens, 1000 acres of deer park, a rare breed farm and medieval Old Hall

For nearly 400 years the estate was the property of the Egerton family until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1958. It is now financed and maintained by Cheshire East Council. This is one of the most complete historic estates open to visitors.

Tudor house surviving in the heart of a thriving East London community

Built in 1535 by prominent courtier of Henry VIII, Sir Ralph Sadleir, Sutton House retains much of the atmosphere of a Tudor home despite some alterations by later occupants, including a succession of merchants, Huguenot silkweavers, and squatters. Discover oak-panelled rooms, original carved fireplaces and a charming courtyard.

A comfortable home telling the story of a brewer, a widow and three generations of the Lander family

Tucked away on the edge of Wellington is this rare suburban villa and mini-estate. As you walk up the large avenue of Wellingtonia trees the red-brick villa is unexpectedly revealed offering a chance to immerse yourself in a past era.

The home of a family who lived and loved the Arts & Crafts

Built as a summer home by Arts and Crafts architect-designer Ernest Gimson for his brother Sydney, Stoneywell zigzags from its rocky outcrop, amid rhododendrons and heather. Every turn conjures childhood memories of holiday excitement, dashing down the winding steps –– one way to the fort, the other to the woods beyond.

Medieval yeoman's house and garden

15th-century half-timbered yeoman's house, featuring a great hall and surrounded by glorious garden, orchard and meadows.

A perfect example of a Wealden Hall-House, it is full of beautiful collections of furniture, wood and metal work.

Wonderful woodland walks over the Otham Valley can begin from here.

Marrick Priory is a historic 12th century medieval building that was developed in the 1970s into an Outdoor Education and Residential Centre.  It is situated in Swaledale in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park and welcomes groups of visitors from all over the world.

Tynemouth Castle and Priory on the coast of North East England was once one of the largest fortified areas in England. Overlooking the North Sea and the River Tyne, it dominates the headland. With its 2000 year history and beautiful views it is the perfect location for a family fun day out.

The very extensive remains of a 13th century priory, founded on the site of a retired pirate's hermitage.

Part of it later served as a holiday retreat for the monks of Durham Cathedral. Beautifully sited by the River Wear with delightful riverside walks nearby.

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