Architecture Workshops

Architecture Workshops are one of the most popular workshop providers we have worked with over the past few years. We spoke to Martin about what they offer, and how children are taught science, technology, engineering, maths and art through their unique workshops.

Architecture Workshops - Bringing STEM and History to life

The workshops began over 20 years ago with commission from The London Millennium Bridge Project, which ended up with Nigel Frost (1939 - 2000) going into schools with a box of sticks and bag of rubber bands to demonstrate the wobbly bridge.

STEM, DT and History

Since then, we've increased our portfolio of workshops which cover DT skills, core STEM knowledge and history for all key stages. Using just the simplest of materials and skills which we bring, our structures can span most of the width and height of a hall, allowing pupils to stand inside their creation. It's always a great moment for the instructors when we see the the pupils' - and often teachers' - excitement and satisfaction.

Our workshops cover some of the cornerstones of architecture - the real impact of pressure, geometry, gravity, materials, haptic skills and the design demands of building structures fit for purpose.

Tailor-made workshops

We have a long list of workshops, but sometimes teachers have specific ideas about a particular subject or book when we will discuss your requirements and tailor the workshops to your requirements. We are proficient in working with SEN pupils and those pupils with EFL & ESL, requiring additional support. Please discuss these needs in more detail at the time of booking.

Individual & Large Groups & Social distancing

Some of our workshops are more naturally adaptable to social distancing requirements. Individual Tetrahedrons can be made by solo pupils and then attached together to form a giant Tetrahedron, towering to over 4m. Our Octahedron and Skyscraper workshops can also be made individually as well as in teams.

Teamwork

We'll start the session with individual or pair work, picking up the pace to teams of 5-7, then culminating in a final all-class push. It is such a thrill to see classes of 45 working together to complete the buildings and often we'll see that teachers discover . We've also added in some class role-play, bringing the personalities of the era and structure alive - Viking Longship, where pupils enact rowing to north America via the arctic circle, discarding injured crew into the icy waters. In the Stonehenge workshop pupils enact a sacrifice, musty to their delight!

Outdoor

Our structures can be made outdoors, weather depending. Some of our workshops such as Ferris Wheel will require additional gym equipment. Most are free-standing and will stay up without extra support, albeit weather and the pupils' own design permitting.

Nationwide

We currently have a team of 3 presenters, covering England & Wales.