Inspired by Design: RIBA launches new teaching resource as part of the London 2012 Games

Date:

13 October 2011

Press office contact:

Mina Vadon
T: +44 (0)207 307 3761
E: mina.vadon@riba.org

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) today launches Inspired by Design, a new education resource that uses London's innovative and iconic Olympic venues to inspire young people about how detailed design processes and creative thinking can lead to remarkable new buildings.

The RIBA's new teaching pack has been granted the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The Inspired by Design resource, designed primarily for secondary schools and colleges, provides teachers with a selection of stimulating and accessible materials, including illustrated presentations and interactive ideas for student participation, in the following areas with an emphasis on Design & Technology (D&T):

Design journeys
A selection of presentations which investigate the design processes behind the Olympic Stadium and the Velodrome, with associated activity ideas.
Design skills
Key design skills are focused on through specific London 2012 buildings: CAD computer-aided design (Aquatics Centre), model making (Basketball Arena) and site anaylsis (substation)
Design challenges
Resources for short challenge projects including the design of a footbridge and landmark building on the Olympic site, plus ideas for running design briefs about the legacy of the Olympic Park (the use of the site and buildings post-Games).

RIBA President Angela Brady said:

'I am delighted that the RIBA is taking part in this important London 2012 Games initiative, which will really inspire young people to understand and appreciate all aspects of architecture and recognise the creative thought and talent behind these special Olympic projects. Inspired by Design is a really valuable resource for teachers and students, which brings alive the design process behind these fantastic buildings – it will inspire pupils by showing them how architects actually work.'

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said:

'Inspired by Design is encouraging school pupils to fulfill their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as the RIBA, we are delivering our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost engagement in the London Games and with architecture.'

The Inspired by Design resource is designed to be inspirational to teachers and students throughout the UK and is subdivided (where appropriate) by age, not by key stage, in keeping with the 'Get Set' system.

The RIBA's Inspired by Design resource is available online at: http://getset.london2012.com/en/get-set-plus/practical-learning|

Notes to editors

For further press information and images, journalists please contact Mina Vadon in the RIBA Press Office on 020 7307 3761 or email mina.vadon@riba.org
The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Inspire programme is run by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. It is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the London 2012 Games – a broad participation programme spanning sport participation, education, sustainability, volunteering, and business opportunities & culture. New opportunities are being created to inspire young people and encourage the whole of the UK to join in. The Inspire programme has awarded over 1,400 different projects the Inspire mark.
The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are delivered by two key organisations – the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) and the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA). LOCOG is responsible for staging a memorable Games in 2012. They will deliver the best possible Olympic and Paralympic Games experience for everyone involved, enabling a lasting legacy and inspiring people to join in.
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) is the public body responsible for developing and building the new venues and infrastructure for the Games and converting the Olympic Park for long-term use after the Games. In the summer of 2012, the UK will come alive with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Find out the latest from the London 2012 blog – http://london2012.com/blog.