The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) today unveiled 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).
"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," said Angela Brady, RIBA President. "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."