Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Interior designers lend a hand at Leeds school
The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design students have been working with teaching staff and children at the Lighthouse School to formulate ideas for sensory spaces within the new building which will house the School when it moves from its current temporary accommodation.
Associate Senior Lecturer in Interior Architecture & Design, Joan Love, explains: "The project has provided students with an opportunity to research, develop and explore, first-hand, the spaces which would assist the autistic children's learning experiences. For staff at the Lighthouse, this process has generated ideas and approaches which they could choose to take forward in their new school and it also gave them an opportunity to explain to their pupils some of the changes involved with moving into a new building."
"The collaborative nature of the project means that our students have helped to improve social experiences for the children; whilst the children could provide clues on how they would like their sensory spaces to be designed in their new school. The project is also helping to inform a younger generation about Autism, which is an often misunderstood condition."
Speaking about the project first year student, Hannah Elliott, said: "It was a great and exciting experience and I learnt so much about the thinking process which then goes through to design for specific individuals. This is a lesson I would have probably never have learnt otherwise."
Four interactive research sessions have taken place with the school, ending with a group presentation of student design ideas at Broadcasting Place. The project will now continue to develop over the coming twelve months.
Photo: Hayley-Grace Card, Interior Architecture & Design student.