archive

Imbedded Intelligence is the design phase of the strategic programme called “Primary Space”. It has been inspired by and follows on from the successfully completed project, Wonderwall: School as Rule” which was a major artist’ intervention in the new school at Lawthorn, Irvine.

Underpinning Imbedded Intelligence are the concept designs for eight “Learning Houses”: shifting the notion of classroom to environments of embedded learning through creative and aesthetic experiences. The concept designs are the result of collaboration between architects, artists, engineers, educators and local communities.

Artists

• Bruce McLean

Funding

SAC Award amount

£165,829.00

Project total cost

£238,829.00

Funding purpose

Towards the cost of a project to include artists in the ongoing design of new school buildings in North Ayrshire.

(Please note dates and details correct at time of award.)

Consultation & Commissioning Process

For North Ayrshire Council, the collaboration and consultation process that informed the design development was in addition to the normal design processes undertaken by the council and led to new developments different and additional to the “standard school building”.

Consultative activities took place during the development phases of Primary Space and included “think-tank” and drama workshops in addition to talks and visual presentations to community groups. A short video has been made of the consultation process.

The artists have been involved in this project as the original initiators of the concept providing a coherence and longterm artistic vision. Ginkgo Design Ltd managed and coordinated the project, being responsible for arranging the briefs and contracts with the artists.

Outcomes

Seven Learning Houses paired with other classrooms in Dalry Primary School:

• Plant House
• Storage House
• The Bridge
• Observatory/ Environmental House
• Sound House
• Garden Room
• Drawing Room
  Also, other artist-designed spaces
• Show House
• The Spaceship (IT resource area)
• The Bookhouse (library resource)
• Technology Garden