Final call for entries to complex-needs site design challenge

Edinburgh students encouraged to enter innovative challenge fronted by TV architect

Architect and TV presenter George Clarke has issued the final call for entries to a creative challenge which will shape the design of a £25m complex-needs facility.

Young people in Edinburgh are being invited to take part in a design brief to imagine how a new inclusive community and sustainable building project in Perth could look like.

With the deadline for entries fast approaching, designs should be submitted by 26th May, and consider how people can live sustainably and affordably while meeting individual needs and preserving the environment for future generations.

The challenge will help inform Capability Scotland’s new inclusive Bertha Park facility in Perth, which is in partnership with the Ministry of Building Innovation and Education [MOBIE] – a charity founded by George Clarke to inspire young people to get involved in housing and community design for the future.

George said: “The imagination of young people is something we would really like to harness in this project, and in future housing and community designs.

“We want to hear from a wide range of young people, from primary pupils right through to postgraduate students. Entries are open to schools, colleges, and universities across Scotland, as well as those who wish to work independently.

“It is hoped the project will also inspire and uncover the next generation of architectural talent while sharing innovative solutions on how the new site can champion inclusive living and learning.”

The challenge is looking for young people to come up with ways to define what makes a community. For some that might be about being good neighbours, enjoying shared spaces, or creating new and positive opportunities.

The new site will consist of 60 self-contained studio flats for individuals with complex needs. A new primary school, followed by high quality, energy-efficient housing. These will be built on the site adjacent to the existing Bertha Park High School.

Sponsorship from Springfield Properties and Sigma Capital Group has been received for the challenge prizes which include a £250 technology voucher for the winning entry from each category as well as a trophy specially design and produced by Capability Scotland service users at its studio day centre in Perth.

Brian Logan, CEO of Capability Scotland, the organisation behind the new facility named ‘Our Inclusive Community Project’, said: “We have been supporting individuals living with complex needs in the area for decades and the new site will enhance and expand this current support.

“Young people are vital to the future of housing and we want to maximise their involvement in helping shape this major project – especially as we’re committed to making it an exemplar service from the offset.

“With unfettered imaginations, we’re looking forward to hearing the amazing ideas from young Scots.”

Bertha Park High School and two Perth primary schools, as well as Capability Scotland’s two specialist schools and college – Corseford College and Corseford School in Renfrewshire and Stanmore House School in Lanark – have already signed up to participate in the creative challenge.

The challenge is being partnered by Perth and Kinross Council and Scottish Water, alongside Capability Scotland and MOBIE.

MOBIE was founded in 2017 by architect and television presenter George Clarke to inspire young people to revolutionise the way we think about the places in which we live. He aims to give younger generations a way to define how they want to live now and in the future.

Capability Scotland is a charity delivering care, support, and education for disabled children and adults across Scotland. It has a range of facilities and services across the country which helps its customers achieve the best outcomes in their lives, no matter their needs.

MOBIE has hosted webinars to help inspire students create concepts boards and give tips on how to finalise presentation for submissions to competitions which can be found here:

To express interest in participating in the design challenge, visit: https://oicp.capability.scot/contact/

For help, support and guidance with entries, please contact the MOBIE team: challenges@mobie.org.uk

For more information on Capability Scotland’s MOBIE project, visit: https://youtu.be/NRiIr2ci6fc

For more information on Capability Scotland, visit: Our Inclusive Community Project – Homepage – OICP (capability.scot)

Edinburgh College of Art students unveil festive decorations collection at The George Hotel

Students from Edinburgh College of Art have unveiled a stunning new collection of luxury, sustainable festive decorations at InterContinental Edinburgh The George today.

The decorations were the result of a partnership between the city-centre hotel and BA (Hons) Textiles students who immersed themselves in the history of Edinburgh, the New Town, and the Georgian era when the hotel was built, to inspire their decorations that will now adorn the magnificent Christmas tree in the hotel’s luxurious lobby.

Following a visit to the hotel in October, the students drew from different aspects of the hotel décor and furnishings, emboldening their creations.

Inspired by the tales of literary greats, who were once guests in the Georgian townhouse, one student beautifully crafted a portrait of Robert Burns, fashioned from tweed and tartan it features intricate beadwork and hand embroidery. 

Scottish fine cashmere, wool and accessories luxury brand, Johnstons of Elgin, provided off-cuts for the partnership, which spotlighted the best young UK design talent and emphasised the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. 

Student, Anna Reid, said: “It was fascinating to work on a live brief and get the opportunity to learn about the Georgian era.

“My final design took inspiration from the hotel’s mirrors, windows and archways, to create patterns with delicate embellishments on the gorgeous Scottish fabrics.”

Stephanie Lee, Director of Sales at InterContinental Edinburgh The George, added: “We’re thrilled the students found this such a valuable experience and the result is really impressive.

“We’re very proud of our Georgian heritage and it was wonderful to be able to share this with the next bright young minds and see their interpretations come to life in this collection which is now a centre point for our guests to enjoy this winter.”

National Museum of Scotland asks public for memories of famous Scottish designer

The National Museum of Scotland is calling for memories of famous artist and designer Bernat Klein ahead of a major exhibition of his work opening next month. Klein (1922 – 2014) was born in Yugoslavia (now Serbia) but settled in the Scottish Borders where he lived and worked for over 40 years. 

Drawing inspiration from the landscape around Galashiels and collaborating closely with skilled Scottish manufacturers, Scotland and its textile industry were central to his success. 

Curators hope to capture the stories of those who knew, worked with or admired Klein in his adopted homeland. From visiting his shops or producing fabrics, to wearing his spectacular pieces or completing a Klein knitting pattern, anyone who would like to share their story is encouraged to get in touch by email at info@nms.ac.uk with their memories and pictures. 

In the centenary year of his birth, Bernat Klein: Design in Colour (5 Nov 2022 – 23 April 2023) will explore the life and varied career of one of the 20th century’s leading forces in Modernist design.

He is renowned for innovative couture textiles created for the likes of Chanel, Dior and Balmain, and his work was adored by royalty and fashion editors alike. He also produced fabrics for interiors, designed ready-to-wear collections and worked as a colour consultant and industrial designer. 

Lisa Mason, Assistant Curator of Modern & Contemporary Design at National Museums Scotland said: “Bernat Klein’s philosophy influenced fashion, fine art, interior design, architecture and colour theory and continues to inspire artists and designers today. 

“He chose Scotland to build not just his home, but his business, and we’d love to hear more from anyone who remembers his time here.” 

Personal accounts will be collated by National Museums Scotland and may be shared on the Museums’ digital channels and social media accounts.  


Bernat Klein: Design in Colour
 
5 November 2022 to 23 April 2023 
National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh 
Admission: Free 

nms.ac.uk/designincolour 
#BernatKlein 

Tegan’s Degree Show project aims to get men talking

The pub is often a destination of choice for putting the world to rights, but could it be used to get people talking about subjects that are still viewed as taboo? Graphic Design student Tegan Bryce’s final year project aims to do just that.

Tegan has designed a bar set-up – including bar top, beer pulls, beer mats and stools – that aims to raise awareness and get men talking about what are traditionally viewed as female-only issues.

Tegan’s bar is heavily led by her use of typography which asks important questions around subjects such as postpartum depression and infertility worries for males.

Studies show that 1 in 10 dads are affected by postpartum depression and anxiety and Tegan was determined to shine a spotlight on this with her exhibition which is now on display as part of Edinburgh Napier’s In Full Bloom Degree Show at its Merchiston campus.

Tegan, 21 years-old from Livingston, works as a stylist and tailor for Levi Strass & Co and has used her embroidery skills throughout the bar set-up.

Asking questions such as “Can men experience hormonal changes due to childbirth?” and “Can men suffer from post-partum depression?”, Tegan has used embroidery to score out key words to highlight the lack of conversation surrounding these issues.

Her bar also incorporates a laser-cut bar top, specifically designed for the degree show, which features more phrases and questions on these topics as well as upcycled bar stools, books, beer mats and vinyl that all come together to raise awareness of these topics and to encourage people to begin to openly talk about them.

For Tegan, her final year project has been an educational journey but one that she feels is incredibly important in helping focus on the lack of conversations around these subjects.

Tegan said: “My work across my fourth year at University has been focused on using design to tackle conversations around taboo subjects, and through reading research and conducting my own, I kept going back to certain subjects such as postpartum depression and infertility.

“We hear lots about how they affect females – and quite rightly so – but we don’t hear as much about how they affect males when they happen. Why is that?

“I think good strides have been taken to increase conversations around subjects such as periods and the menopause but there are still subjects that are viewed as “taboo” and I wanted to shine a spotlight on these.

“The bar set-up was a lot of work. I’ve put my heart and soul into it, utilising my graphic design skills and my embroidery skills to hopefully create something that does get people – specifically males – talking more about sensitive subjects.

“If it helps just one people speak out, ask for help and understand better what a friend or family member has been going through, then it has been totally worth it.”

Tegan’s project, alongside hundreds of others, is currently on display at In Full Bloom, Edinburgh Napier’s Degree Show which runs from 26 May to 2 June at the University’s Merchiston campus.

More information on the degree show can be found here.

Japanese Contemporary Design

6 May 2022 to 5 March 2023 – National Museum of Scotland

A new artwork by ground-breaking Japanese artist Hitomi Hosono will be unveiled in a display at the National Museum of Scotland

Japanese Contemporary Design (6 May 2022 – 5 March 2023), will showcase developments in art, craft and design in Japan over the past 50 years. Hosono’s spectacular A Large Pine Tree Pool has recently been acquired for the National Collection and will be shown for the first time. 

From striking statement jewellery to glass and porcelain sculptures, this free display will explore the rich and varied practice of Japanese contemporary designers over five decades.

Cultural events associated with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics prompted Japanese makers to take notice of international design. The artists represented in the display reflect the developments of the following 50 years, combining traditional artisanship and themes with new materials, inspiration and techniques.  

A more diverse range of makers has also emerged in Japan in recent years. Ceramicist Hitomi Hosono is one of the highly skilled female artists breaking into historically male-dominated disciplines.

This follows a move away from the traditional apprenticeship-based system and the long-established custom of the eldest son taking over from his father. Japanese Contemporary Design will include an equal number of works by female and male makers, shining a light on some remarkable artisans who have previously been overlooked. 

Dr Louise Boyd, Curator of the Japanese and Ainu collections at National Museums Scotland, said: “This display will highlight the extraordinary skill and diversity of contemporary Japanese makers.

“The objects exhibited represent recent developments in the art world, both in Japan and internationally. I am particularly delighted to include Hitomi Hosono’s remarkable A Large Pine Tree Pool, on display for the public to enjoy for the very first time.” 

Further highlights include Junko Mori’s intricate New Pinecone Silver Organism. Nature is often seen as a fundamental element of traditional Japanese culture, but Mori incorporates new methods and forms influenced by studying and working in the UK.

Striking examples of contemporary jewellery designs will also be showcased. Adapting metalworking and engraving techniques traditionally used in the making of Japanese sword fittings, jeweller Suō Emiko has created colourful graphic pieces to adorn the body.  

Students set for the Scottish Schools’ Hydrogen Challenge

  • Over 7,000 second year students from across Scotland will compete to build the best green hydrogen powered Lego vehicle over the next eight weeks
  • Pupils have the opportunity to test drive the low carbon fuel and hear more on the importance of green hydrogen in achieving Net Zero targets
  • Winners from each city will compete in the Grand Final in Glasgow during COP26

Students across Scotland are taking part in a unique challenge in the run up to COP26 – designing, building and racing a green hydrogen-fuelled vehicle of their own design.

The Scottish School’s Hydrogen Challenge will see groups of three students collaborate to build the most efficient hydrogen-powered vehicle in under two hours. Vehicles that travel the furthest on the zero emission fuel will take part in a Grand Final in Glasgow during COP26.

Over 7,000 second year pupils from Scotland are expected to take part as the challenge visits Fort William, Wick, Inverness, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow in the run up to the climate change summit.

Regional finals are taking place in each of Scotland’s cities with the top three teams from each being entered into the Grand Final with a chance to win a Lego Robot Inventor amongst other prizes.

Today, 3rd September, marks the first of the regional finals. Schools from across the Highlands have been competing for a place to race at COP26 over the past two weeks with the final contenders racing their hydrogen powered vehicles in Inverness at Millburn Academy today.

The challenge is being delivered by partners Arcola Energy, ITM Power and ScottishPower, a partnership formed to help educate people on the importance of green hydrogen in tackling the ongoing climate emergency.

Barry Carruthers, Hydrogen Director at ScottishPower, said: “Scotland is about to host one of the most important climate summits ever, COP26, and we want to help bring some of the energy and excitement around COP26 to schools across Scotland with our partners Arcola Energy and ITM Power.

“We’re currently working to deliver a number of green hydrogen projects in Scotland – including the  largest green hydrogen facility in the country, but we know that we still have work to do to help educate people about this critical, zero emission fuel and the role it plays in achieving Scotland’s overall Net Zero goals.

“This green hydrogen Challenge will help engage Scottish students in how green hydrogen can help decarbonise our daily lives by providing a clean fuel alternative to heavy industries and transport and supporting hundreds of green jobs.”

During the workshops, competitors will find out more about the decarbonisation of transport and the important role it is playing in reaching Scotland’s climate change targets.

The Challenge also offers a chance for members of the community to learn about green hydrogen, its applications and its expected growth over the next decade during evening and weekend workshops.

Experts will be on hand to answer any questions about the technology and offer a chance for people to try their hand at building a hydrogen-powered vehicle.

Graham Cooley, CEO of ITM Power, said: “It is vitally important we work with young people as they grow up during the rapid shift to a net-zero economy. We are thrilled to be working with partners Arcola and ScottishPower, who are as passionate as we are about inspiring and upskilling a future generation of scientists and engineers.

“These hydrogen-fuelled vehicles are being built by the generation who will inherit the hydrogen technology that we at ITM Power are creating today. We hope to learn as much from them as they do from us.” 

Green hydrogen is made when a renewable electricity source, like an onshore wind farm, is used to generate the electricity to power an electrolyser which splits water into its two elements; hydrogen and oxygen.

The zero emissions fuel offers a long term, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, and can be used to decarbonise sectors that cannot be powered by electricity alone, including large transport vehicles like trucks, trains or buses and heavy industry or high temperature industrial processes.

Dr Ben Todd, CEO of Arcola Energy said: “Arcola Energy has delivered hands-on hydrogen education programmes to more than 100,000 students over the past 12 years, as part of our goal to deliver practical solutions to decarbonise transport, many examples of which will be on Scottish roads in the coming years.

“Based on real engineering principles, our workshops are delivered by our in-house team working with members of local universities and colleges who will be on hand to help teach students about green hydrogen and its applications – as well as offer a few hints and tips as they work to build their vehicles.”

The Challenge is being supported by the Scottish Cities Alliance and the Hydrogen Accelerator who have played a key role in the coordination of the Challenge and helping to educate people on the role of hydrogen in decarbonisation.

Cllr John Alexander, Chair, Scottish Cities Alliance, Leader Dundee City Council, said: “With COP26 just around the corner there has never been a better time to engage our future leaders, engineers, economists and so much more about how important zero carbon fuel is.

“In the lead up to COP26 the Scottish cities are proud to collectively support this important programme to inspire the next generation of renewable energy engineers who can capitalise on the high skilled jobs we aim to create from our collective investment to position Scotland as one of Europe’s leading early adopters of hydrogen technology.

“Innovation is happening here and now across the Scottish cities in deploying these technologies at scale to play our part in meeting Scotland’s ambitious net zero target by 2045 and putting the technology in the hands of young people is vital to ensuring that Scotland’s workforce of the future is best placed to reap the economic rewards as part of our just transition.”

Professor John Irvine, Chair of the Hydrogen Accelerator at the University of St Andrews, said: “On behalf of the Hydrogen Accelerator and the University of St Andrews, I am delighted that we are supporting this exciting Hydrogen Challenge programme, inspiring our young people to take up future careers within sectors such as Hydrogen as it offers such a diverse range of fulfilling career opportunities. 

“The Hydrogen Accelerator also looks forward to continuing to support the ambitions of the Seven Cities and city regions in achieving their decarbonisation targets. 

“With the abundance of renewable energy and water here in Scotland we have the right ingredients to produce green hydrogen enabling not only the decarbonisation of the transport sector but the opportunity to create innovative solutions, supply chain growth whilst providing citizens with clean, green transport.”

Faster, higher, stronger: some Olympic-themed fun to keep your children on track with learning

After a year that’s taken its toll on parents’ and children’s physical and mental health, we’re all longing for a bit of rest and relaxation. 

But the school holidays can leave children’s learning brains a little too relaxed. So with the Tokyo Olympics in full flow, keep the kids’ brains sharp with these Games-themed activities from former primary school teacher Abby Milnes of education champs PlanBee:

Learn about…

… time zones

There is an eight-hour time difference between the Games and the UK. This is a great opportunity to teach your children about time differences between countries and why they exist. Challenge your children to work out what time they will need to turn on the TV if they want to watch an event live (hypothetically of course; some of the events may be broadcast in the early hours of the morning in the UK!).

Download this FREE Time Zones Map to help teach your children about Time Zones.

… measuring time

Many of the Olympic events are measured and scored against how long it takes to complete the event. Events under a minute such as the 100m sprint, 200m kayak, team sprints in cycling etc will provide suitable contexts for younger children to think about when measuring time. Older children may like to take on slightly longer events.

This PlanBee lesson may help teach your younger child about measuring time.

Challenge your child to see how many things they can do within the same time as it took an athlete to complete their event. For example, the Olympic record for running 100m was 9.63 seconds set by Usain Bolt at the 2012 Olympics. How many blocks can your child stack in this time? How many ticks can they do on a sheet of paper? After showing children how to read the amount of time on a stopwatch, get them to time each other and take it in turns to see who can beat the record in your own events.

… measuring distance

Other Olympic events such as long jump, javelin, shot put and discus are scored and measured using distance.

Using a metre ruler or measuring tape, challenge your children to take part in a long jump event. They can take a run-up, or go from a standing jump. Mark where the back of their foot landed and help your child measure how far they jumped!

… averages

Some events such as gymnastics are scored by a judges panel. Each judge gives the performance a score which is then averaged out to give a final score. Challenge your child to take individual judges scores and find the average score by adding them up and dividing the total by the number of individual scores.

… variables

“I wonder… do you run faster on grass or concrete?” Challenge your children to think about conducting simple investigations with “I wonder…?” questions like the one above. Younger children may need help with timing but they should be able to make verbal conclusions with you such as “I ran faster on the concrete”.

Older children (7+) should be encouraged to think scientifically. Is it fair if you wear sandals to run on the grass, but running shoes on the concrete? No, they should be the same. What about the distance you run?

Other things they could test:

●        Do I run faster wearing trainers, or when I’m barefoot?

●        Will I jump further with a run-up?

●        Will I jump further with a long run-up or a short run-up?

●        Does someone with longer legs jump further?

… pentathlons

What’s the difference between a triathlon, a pentathlon and a decathlon? The number of events! (This is also a perfect opportunity to look at the prefixes tri- pent- and dec- to mean three, five and ten e.g. tri-angle, tri-cycle, pent-agon etc.)

Challenge your children to come up with their own events for a family tri, pent or decathlon! They don’t have to be Olympic events, just a number of events that an athlete will be timed to complete. They don’t even have to be sport related: Who will be the fastest person to put on their socks? Who will be the overall winner?

… drawing figures

Do you have a budding artist in the ranks? Why not challenge them to draw their favourite athlete from the Olympics. Up the challenge by asking them to draw the figure in motion as they complete their event.

Use these FREE Paper Mannequin Templates to help support your artist in their challenge.

… architecture

Having held the Games before in 1964, Tokyo already had venues to host different Olympic events. The newly built National Stadium was finished in November 2019. Challenge your child to investigate its design, including the different ways it has been designed to be eco-friendly.

Work together to create your own model of an Olympic stadium, making sure there’s enough room for a track and spectators.

… map skills

Some of the cycling events in the Olympic Games require a set route to be planned out over a certain area. Print out a map of your local area and identify where you are and any areas they are not allowed to go to. Together, plan out a cycling route for your own Olympic cycling event. You could repeat the route several times to try and beat your personal best!

Beware: If you are riding on roads, make sure your child can ride confidently on them and is aware of safety rules.

… clothing design

Take a look at the designs for the athletes’ kits. How is the country represented in the design? What functionality does there need to be? This could link nicely with investigating the different countries’ flags.

Challenge your children to design a uniform for the country of their choice using this FREE template: https://planbee.com/products/design-a-sports-uniform

  • PlanBee would love to see your OIympic achievements: give PlanBee a shout on social media or share your children’s work with them at info@planbee.com!
  • Want more in-depth learning about the Olympics? Check out  Olympics Topic with lessons in Art, History, Geography and more!

Collaborate and create: Students unveil their vision for beauty spot visitor hub

Students from Edinburgh Napier and the City of Glasgow college have linked up to design a new visitor hub for Beecraigs Country Park in Linlithgow.

Two teams from the Scottish institutions were tasked with creating an ecologically sustainable, environmentally friendly, and inclusive focal point to the vibrant country park.

The aim was to layout a proposed building that could be constructed and deconstructed away from the intended site, known as offsite construction.

Team 2 won the first prize of £600 in the Offsite Ready challenge, when they designed a hub which would cater for cyclists, with open and accessible areas.

Team 1 delivered their presentation on a centre which would withstand the elements, including a mezzanine complemented by the carefully considered path of the sun. They received the runner up prize of £300.

From Edinburgh Napier, the winning team included digital designer Zarja Krevelj, production manager Emily Rankin, production manager Callum MacGillivray, and Agata Gaspari in charge of the summer pavilion.

The ‘Are you Offsite Ready? Online design challenge’ was sponsored by Finnish renewable materials manufacturers, Stora Enso, who donated £900 to reward students for their efforts.

Rory Doak, Business Development Manager at Stora Enso UK & Ireland said: “Stora Enso were thrilled to support a student-led design project, showcasing the abilities of students to adapt to new working conditions and produce manufacturable, sustainable and inclusive designs.

“I hope that we will see more competitions emerge, like this, that equip students with strong fundamental knowledge of BIM, inclusivity, and sustainable construction with timber. I am sure these principles will be key industry drivers in the future, and these students will continue to champion these design principles as they build their careers.”

The challenge was originally conceptualized by Edinburgh Napier lecturer Dr Mila Duncheva and research assistant for the Centre for Offsite Construction and Innovative Structures, Louise Rogers; with Catriona Jordan, from City of Glasgow College, as a way of giving students an opportunity to gain some industry experience out with the university curriculum and in lieu of the international internships usually available to students from Edinburgh Napier’s School of Engineering & the Built Environment.

Dr Mila Duncheva said: “This challenge was designed to develop students’ transferable skills including teamworking, problem solving, working to tight deadlines and collaborative digital workflows using Building Information Modelling (BIM).

“I was astounded by both teams’ intricate technical solutions and striking visual presentations and am delighted we provided a positive experience for them during the worst of the pandemic.”

The project spanned 12 weeks, starting in June. It presented challenges for the students as they learned to work together remotely, whilst figuring out how to get the best from their designs and cater for the park’s one million yearly visitors.

The Offsite Ready challenge teams collaborated with West Lothian Council to provide accurate geographical plans of the proposed sites. And engineering consultant firm SWECO who did an analysis of the project’s factors.

Students also attended a collection of lectures designed and delivered by their mentors, to help inform their designs.

With most of the mentors coming from Edinburgh Napier University, this included: Prof. Pat Langdon, Prof. Robert Hairstans and Dr Andrew Livingstone, working alongside industry leaders such as Matt Stevenson from SNRG

Eirwen Hopwood of West Lothian Council said she would like to see one of these designs become a reality at Beecraigs Country Park in the future.

This challenge was part of the wider Offsite Ready project funded by the Construction Industry Training Board and led by the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier University, City of Glasgow College, Construction Wales Innovation Centre, Ministry of Building Innovation and Education and Class of Your Own.