We were delighted to take part in the RIBA Architecture Ambassadors programme, an initiative which partners architecture practices with schools, to encourage and inspire younger people to learn about and understand the built environment. Following a successful first series of workshops we were invited back by the school in 2017 to collaborate with another set of students.

The project focused on retail and streetscape design, from understanding and analysing the designs of shops and their frontages, through to the individual design and model making of 1:20 kiosks, and masterplanning these into the street. Each workshop was designed by Archio team members, Ione Braddick and Rosie Jones, who visited the school for three workshops each term, to discuss and work with the students and teachers on their designs.

Archio aimed to give true insight into the exciting and varied world of architecture to Year 9 students. We wanted to show how a creative profession such as architecture, and the design of the built environment, involves problem-solving, craft, creativity and collaboration.

Through exploring history, brief-writing, clients, model-making and design, we hope our workshops introduced tools to the students with which they can begin to view and analyse the built environment and the city they live in with greater understanding.

We relished the chance to work with those outside the world of architecture, and hone our own communication and design skills alongside this younger generation of Londoners. This was a great opportunity for Archio, and we'd like to thank all those who made it possible, including all of the students, Rachael Boothman (Oasis Academy Southbank), Fiona MacDonald & Wilson Yau (RIBA Learning Team) and Katy Milner (filmmaker).

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