PLACE NI

I’m really excited to begin working with PLACE NI on a freelance basis to deliver some projects. PLACE is the Built Environment Centre for Northern Ireland: ‘dedicated to promoting an understanding of built environment issues across all sectors, and to meaningful engagement with the public on the issues that affect them’. 

PLACE use research, design, publishing, new media, training, walking tours, exhibitions, and live events to educate the public about the places they live, how they can make the most of their cities, towns and neighbourhoods, and even change them for the better. 

One of the projects that I will be working on is the PLACE Urban Design Academy, a free week-long event to introduce young people aged 14-18 to built environment professions, including architecture, planning, urban design, landscape architecture and civil engineering.

The Academy takes place annually over five days in mid-summer, during which a team of experts facilitate discussion, investigation and design challenges to explore the host city. The Academy aims to create a sense of excitement among its participants about the processes that shape their environments and to open up new pathways into creative careers for young people from all backgrounds. During the week participants get involved in activities including: design master classes; model-making; site visits; mapping; sketching; and opportunities to develop urban solutions. They develop new skills over the five days. It is a fast-paced and fun, with lots of support and mentoring from the team.

Head over to http://www.placeni.org for more information.