The Architecture Foundation's Urban Pioneers education programme engages teams of 16-19 year olds in areas of London undergoing dramatic change. Over ten days between June and September 2009, the Urban Pioneers took part in film making, explored excellent architecture and met key built environment professionals working in the area. DPQ led a workshop exploring the potential of a piece of public realm in Southwark. Alex, one of the Pioneers explains:
Today we made models of our ideas for the improvement of St John's Churchyard - a park opposite Potters Field park. In reality the 'park' is actually an area of grass punctuated by randomly placed flower beds and cluttered by bins and concrete.
With the help of architects Dallas Pierce Quintero we came up with designs, each with a different group of park-users in mind. I was the 'anti-dog-walker', so I wanted to keep the dogs within a restricted area, so that children and other users could safely spend time in the park.
Making the models was so fun! I combined many materials and textures but kept my colours quite uniform. We ended the workshop with glue everywhere and a lot of mess to clear up!