Design Tutor
BA (Hons), MSc
Nicola is the design tutor for the ‘eco education’ group on Applied Design module ARC6800, MSc Sustainable Architecture Studies. She is a designer and has a keen working interest in sustainable architecture having completed her MSc Architecture: Advanced Environment and Energy Studies from the Centre for Alternative Technology.
I have worked as a designer for several architectural practices over the last 10 years and joined my current practice, Bond Bryan Architects, in 2007. My team specialises in designing education spaces for young people such as universities, colleges and schools, a sector that I find very rewarding.
In all sectors but especially education we have a responsibility to ensure the spaces we design are not simply architectural indulgence but are positive design solutions that nurture wellbeing and support learning. I find designing environmentally sensitive buildings for young people particularly poignant, given the fact they will most likely be the first generation to be effected by our current excesses.
| Teaching Activities |
For our design project this year Ruskin Mill Educational Trust, an inspirational charity for young people with complex behavioural and emotional difficulties, asked us to design an eco education centre. The beautiful biodynamic site on the edge of Sheffield is used to teach traditional outdoor crafts and horticulture. The brief was to provide a very low impact, off grid building that encompassed the strong client ethos and would support young people with autism. Students have presented their final design solutions to the client. These have provided a great source of inspiration, will help secure funding, and help to eventually turn the clients dreams into reality. |