Architecture + Design Scotland have commissioned education and design experts to create a short learning note for our web series; “Better briefing for education benefit” to support and expand on the learning points captured from the world café session at the Scottish government schools estate conference, November 2013.

Each piece responds to a particular Issue raised from the world café session, capturing knowledge, opinion and experiences and highlighting how these lessons can be transferable for future scenarios.

The fifth publication of the series, Is a short “Talking Head” piece, discussing the refurbishment project at Blackfriars Primary in Glasgow. Sandra McCleary, Head Teacher, discusses the newly created, multi-functional space at the heart of the school.

Sandra commends the re-vitalised “uplifting, bright and airy” space for inspiring the pupils and helping them to be creative and further develop skills. The space has motivitated pupils to read more, improving literacy skills and enjoyment of reading. The community were also involved in the creating of the space and also benefit by using the new I.C.T facilites. Overall the space has changed the Ethos of the school.

The Blackfriars Primary School project was developed on the back of A&DS “Re-Design Option” Series and Exhibition, which explored the challenges of different educational building types – looking at how designers can help reveal the hidden potential of our existing schools estate, with the approach “Start with what we have.”

The series illustrates the important insight of pupils in re-imagining the places they live and learn, and exploring ideas and concepts for different educational building types.

For more information please visit http://theredesignoption.org/