I Dream of Learning at the V&A

Fifteen pupils from Strand Junior School took a trip to the V&A to help them build on their ideas for designs for their new learning environment, their prize for coming up with brilliant ideas on ways they would like to learn in the future - I Dream of Learning Competition

We were met by Catherine Duncumb, V&A+RIBA Architecture Education Officer, she spent the day with us and created a wonderful investigative learning journey. Every pupil was engaged throughout the day from Year 3 up to Year 6.

We spent the morning thinking about functionality, construction and impact. We investigated how space is designed with a purpose in mind and how shape, light, texture, materials, access and dynamic focal points are all equally important.

In the afternoon we thought about all the spaces we had seen, what worked well, what didn't work so well and what we really liked. The pupils were then able to think about the design features they particularly wanted to consider for their own learning environment back in school.

Their ideas included: dramatic lighting, colours that were fresh, warm and welcoming, and features that made an impact like the 'Swarm' chandalier by Zaha Hadid.

They liked the use of stripes, comfy chairs, changes in texture between wood and concrete, and they liked natural light and water features.