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:: Project digest
Creative Partnerships, Thames Gateway
Synopsis
Environmental arts company Circling the Square and Creative Partnerships, Thames Gateway joined forces to investigate the possibility of building a mini Eden Project for creative learning in the grounds of Felmore School. Circling The Square has worked with teachers and pupils to plan and design three dome structures and landscaped areas that will constitute Felmore School’s own ‘Mini Eden Project’. The design process has included research trips to the world famous Eden Project in Cornwall and Writtle Horticultural College in Chelmsford, investigating ‘dome’ projects in the UK & Europe and on-going creative workshops to maximise the potential use of the scheme. Two geodesic ecology ‘solardome’ structures have now been constructed for the school. A third larger fabric structure is stil to be planned for. One solardome, the smaller, will house tropical plants (similar to the biomes at the Eden Project), irrigation features, ‘alternative’ solar powered water fountain and heating system. A glass tunnel walkway will link the two domes and provide a gateway between the tropical smaller dome with the larger temperate dome. The larger solardome will be multi-functional, with space for a wide range creative learning activities, including cultivation of plants and herbs, sensory learning, creative participatory workshops and interactive exhibitions. A stimulating space for running ‘hands on’ workshops linked to environmental themes across the school curriculum. The third and largest dome will create an amphitheatre incorporating raised tiered seating levels around an activity, storytelling, performance & teaching area. The amphitheatre would be covered with a fabric structure supported by high tensile curved steel supports. This structure will be reminiscent of the old Pitsea Market Domes. Felmores ‘Mini Eden Project’ promotes cross-disciplinary environment-themed creative learning that can make links across the primary school curriculum, bringing in art, English, design &technology, maths, science, geography and history.
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Inspirational Domes
Thames Gateway (Basildon)
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Participants: Felmore Primary School
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Partners: Circling The Square
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Project start date: 15 January 2006
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Project end date: 20 December 2007
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National curriculum area: Art and design, Design and technology, History, Mathematics, Personal, social and health education (PSHE), Science
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Location: Arts/cultural venue, School premises
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1. Project aims (click a heading to expand)
:: The project concept
Circling the Square will work with Felmore Primary School to produce a feasibility report and fundraising plan for the creation of an arts led 'Eden Project' domes scheme for teaching in the grounds of the school. The process for developing the project includes consultation, concept design workshops with pupils and staff, a visit to the Eden Project in Cornwall and the investigation 'dome' projects in the school grounds. The report will include proposals for the design of the structure, estimate costings and explore best practice examples from across the UK & Europe.
:: Ambitions
Some ideas, so far, for the scheme and the potential use of the new dome structures are: two Solardome structures to be either constructed in either toughen glass or clear polycarbonate panels and be connected by a walkthrough tunnel. the smaller Solardome to focus on plants (similar to the biomes at the Eden Project) and could include tropical plants, biodiversity projects and small wildlife habitats.The larger Solardome to be multi-functional. It will allow the development of a wide range educational activities and similar in concept to the Core Centre, also located at the Eden Project. An amphitheatre is planned for the existing mounded earthwork area in the school grounds, incorporating raised tiered seating levels around an activity, storytelling, performance & teaching area.A programme of creative arts could be incorporated into the events staged in both the amphitheatre and multi functional Solardome; including performance artists, poets, and temporary installations.
A new entrance could be created, including a secure gate, linking the school with Nevendon Bushes which is on the boundary of the school grounds. Nevendon Bushes history goes back to the time of Henry VIII and it is one of the last remaining fragments of old woodland in Basildon full of ancient trees and wildlife. The new entrance 'Gateway' could physically link the woodland with the amphitheatre, Solardomes and school, presenting future opportunities for joint educational and environmental projects.
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:: 2. Project diary - the story of what happened
15 June 2007 Detailed text diaries of what's been happening as part of this project.
6 July 2007 Detailed text diaries of what's been happening as part of this project.
13 July 2007 Detailed text diaries of what's been happening as part of this project.
20 July 2007 Detailed text diaries of what's been happening as part of this project.
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