MADE.

An exciting and imaginative oasis in the heart of the Black Country – this was head teacher Dee Brigstock’s vision for her primary school.

Last summer, MADE and expert panel member Alison Davies work with Bentley West primary school to turn tarmac into adventurous play space. We helped the school explore and cost design options, provided guidance on planning and procurement issues, then oversaw the first phase of construction which sparked lots of local interest with people stopping to watch contractors HFN Landscapes complete the work in record time.

The transformation was apparent from the very first day of term, with children running around, balancing on the stepping stones, doing headstands along the walls and picnicking on the new wooden stage.

“It’s brought the whole school together. Parents sit on the rocks and chat to each other, and children are inventing game after game after game. We’ve unlocked classroom doors that have been closed for years and held lessons outside. It’s brought colour and fun and laughter”, says Dee Brigstock, head teacher at Bentley West Primary School. The school has further ambitions and is now fundraising for future phases.

This support and facilitation project was supported by Advantage West Midlands which funds MADE to promote design excellence and innovation in the region. Alison Davies is an architect with Groundworks Architects, a co-operative specialising in community-led projects.