1. Improving the Design of a Public Space
ASDAN Links:
Certificate of Personal Effectiveness (CoPE) Levels 1 and 2: Module 11: Expressive Arts: Section B, Challenge 2
Skills Development:
Working With Others, Research, Communication, ICT
Ref: Orb/0912/000361

2. The challenge is…
On your own or with others, visit a public area or building, e.g. a park, a skateboard park, theatre, youth club, art gallery. Consider the factors involved in its design. Suggest how it might be improved and why. CoPE Levels 1 and 2: Module 11 Expressive Arts: Section B, Challenge 2
This challenge could be done with a specific public space in mind, or students could choose their own.
This task could form the basis of a Working With Others task.
Orb/0912/000361

3. Different types of public spaces
Play parks
City centre parks
Green spaces
Sensory parks and gardens
Skate parks
Memorial and remembrance parks
Theatres
Youth clubs
Art galleries
…and more!
Tutors could add extra slides to show examples of public spaces in the area
Orb/0912/000361

4. Public spaces in your area
Mind-map the different public spaces in your area.
Decide on some that you might like to visit – there may be some that you or others in your group already use.
Keep your mind-map as evidence
Orb/0912/000361

5. Before you go… Think about: Who uses the space?
What facilities does it offer?
What features does it need to include?
Students could be asked to complete this task as homework in the form of a mind-map
Orb/0912/000361

6. On your visit… Make notes, draw diagrams and take photographs.
Think about how the space could be improved:
Are there any features missing?
Is there anything that is old or out-of-date?
Are there any unused or damaged areas?
You could ask people who use the space regularly to think of potential improvements.
Orb/0912/000361

7. Get creative! Consider what you would like to improve
Research designs used in other public spaces
Create a plan, drawing or model to show your improvements
Elements of ICT and Numeracy could be incorporated by using scale drawings and/or CAD software.
Orb/0912/000361

8. Present your ideas
Write a report or give a presentation about your designs:
Explain the changes you have made and how they would improve the space
Remember to say how your improvements meet the needs of the target audience
Students could present their designs to the rest of the group as a pitch. If appropriate, tutors could devise a competition and ask the group to vote on a winning design.
Orb/0912/000361