A comprehensive project framework for teachers and architects

Building on the previous successful architecture projects, Architects in Residence set out to develop a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework for teachers and architects working together in practitioner partnerships on school-based projects. The aim was to create a comprehensive framework covering training for, delivery and evaluation of these projects in both primary and secondary schools and sixth form colleges. This would be made available as a resource to support their delivery which could be accessed by teachers and architects everywhere, enabling them to establish partnerships with confidence and to support students in the creation of exciting and high quality task-based work.

Pilot phase

In the first stage of the project Arts Inform and the RIBA Trust organised a programme of trial architecture and built environment projects involving practitioner partnerships between architects and teachers. These were thoroughly evaluated and a set of complementary consultations took place with key professionals ending with a consultative seminar in March 2007. The results of the pilot projects and consultations formed the basis of the initial draft of the CPD framework.

Designing a Greener London

In the Spring and Summer 2007, the CPD framework was trialled in partnership with RIBA London through Architects in Residence: Designing a Greener London. For this project fourteen partnerships between schools and architects’ practices were established around London. Each was set the brief of developing plans for a London neighbourhood or locality, interpreting the concept of “green” either poetically by embodying the values of the natural world, or by addressing issues of sustainability. The best work produced by the students was selected for an exhibition at the RIBA opening to coincide with Architecture Week in June, during which the work was assessed by a group of judges with awards given in different categories.

Publication and continued use

In the final stage of Architects in Residence, the CPD framework was revised and then published online on the RIBA’s website as a resource designed to provide a step-by-step guide to the setting up of school-based architecture and built environment projects. You can read it here www.architecture.com/educationandcareers/architectsinresidence 

Since going live in Spring 2008, the resource has been downloaded over 8,000 times.