About LOOK DRAW BUILD @ Reading Station
During April and May 2024, LOOK DRAW BUILD @Reading Station reached eight primary schools (Calcot, English Martyrs, New Christ Church, Oxford Rd, St Edward’s, St John's, St Martin's, Whitley Park) and two special needs schools (Brookfields and The Avenue), impacting around 400 children across 16 classes.
In April schools ran our introductory video which explores the history of British Railways, train station structures, and key considerations for designing a modern station. Each class visited Reading Station, where the children received a station safety briefing provided by GWR.
In May, the students took part in hands-on modelling workshops. 16 sessions were led by 20 + built environment professionals, including civil & transport engineers and architects from local offices of engineering firms such as Stantec and Ridge and Partners. Using materials provided by the project, and following a specific design brief, the students worked in teams to construct their own model railway stations. 160 models were built. Each class selected the best model to represent it in an inter-school competition.
Key outcomes
An independent panel of judges from Haslams Estate Agents, GWR, Network Rail, Stantec, Ridge & Partners, and Weston & Co Architects evaluated the 16 models submitted by the schools. The eight judging criteria included innovation and structural stability. The top three models were awarded; Gold to Mayne Class - English Martyrs Catholic Primary, Silver -Oxford Rd Community School, Bronze - Whitley Park Primary.
LOOK DRAW BUILD @Reading Station 2024 successfully fostered a connection between young students and their built environment, encouraging them into STEM subjects such as engineering and particularly to those who perhaps have not thought about it before or do not yet see what these skills bring to the world.
The project also helped to increase engineers’ interest, understanding and skills in children engagement, providing them an opportunity to inspire the creation of a future generation of placemakers.
Media coverage
Look Draw Build inspires budding architects at Reading Station
Channel 6 / That’s TV News – Interview with the teachers at English Martyrs (Gold Medal winners)
