Youngsters build huge structure outside Hackney’s Sutton House
Youngsters designed and built the structure outside Sutton House (Photo: Andrew Slack) - Credit: ©iBRODIEfoto
Youngsters were challenged to design and build a huge Meccano-style entrance way for Sutton House to prove that children can be as capable and inventive as adults when it comes to architecture.
Trained architects and educationists Fiona MacDonald and Matt Springett wanted the 7-14 year olds do something “ambitious” and “hands-on”.
Fiona said: “The National Trust allowed us to use the courtyard in front of the house. They had a lovely theme for the summer of The Borrowers, so the children looked for small nooks and corners inside the building to scale up.
“It was an intense week, and they did incredibly well.
“The intergenerational workshop enabled the children to create on an equal footing with adults.
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“Their opinions were listened to and in turn they had to take responsibility for their design decisions.”
The structure will be in place until September 19 as the setting for plays and musical nights at the 500-year-old house in Homerton High Street, before being recycled.
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