Blocbox and Growth, London (United Kingdom) 2016
The Sir John Cass School of Art, Architecture and Design, London Metropolitan University
Students from Play Studio, a cross-disciplinary MA design studio, have designed and built two playhouses for the pupils of Christchurch Primary School.
The project brief was to create a flat-pack, active and educational space useful for both pupils and staff. From this, two winning designs were commissioned – Blocbox and Growth.
Blocbox is an outdoor adaptable structure that can be configured into different positions. It is made of four movable parts, including a hide-and-seek window, a flexible maze, a performance stage, a storage block and an exterior blackboard painted in the shape of the London skyline.
The Growth team created an installation that allows pupils to plant, grow and observe plants. Each pod is made using a transparent bowl, allowing the pupil to observe the plant roots. The structure has an irrigation system and a wooden frame for shelter through the seasons.
Client: Christchurch Primary School, Shooters Hill London
Tutors: Sue Ginsburgh, Jez Bradley, William Warren
Students: Growth – Marina Begman, Cem Postalci, Moayad Ahmed, Joana Henriques, BlocBox – Abigail Butler, Andrea Golmez Silva, Angeliki Pitsanopoulou, Eleni Hadjitofi, Oliver Goldie
Research Question: Growth – How can fantasy play inform the design of a key stage 1 outside space for planting and understanding nature? Blocbox – How can flexibility and ease of use inform the design of an outside multi-functional play space and storage unit designed for reception children?
United Kingdom, Client-funded, 0-10, Architecture, Months, Semi-permanent, +, Art & Design, Commissioned, Curricular, Design, Fashion / Textiles, Interior Design, Students with tutor, Sculpture, London Metropolitan Univ.
