During the academic year 2009/10 a number of CPD events were held for teachers from across the Northwest.

Session 1 saw participants being introduced to Building for Life (BfL), a toolkit developed by CABE (the Commission for Architecture & the Built Environment) and the Housebuilders Federation. BfL is a ‘tool kit’ of 20 criteria that planners, funding bodies and developers can use when assessing new housing proposals and covers a broad range of considerations – from local amenities to the quality of design. The session providing teachers with a tool that explored design quality and the variety of aspects that need to be considered to help develop a successful development. The session was delivered in partnership with John Stonard of Design Liverpool.

The second event– Planning in Context – looked at the role of planning in shaping our built environments. The session took the Chapel Street Development, a key strategic route in the Salford Central area (being led by the English Cities Fund, Salford Council and Central Salford) as the case study. The session was delivered in partnership with Claire Senior of Planning Aid, Deanna Walker of Central Salford and Tom Lonsdale of Placecraft. The event included an introduction to the planning process, information about the development of the area and a site visit and related activities that lead to resources and ideas that could then be used in the classroom.

The third session focused on sustainability and was held at the BDP office in Manchester. The session included discussion on what sustainability means for the built environment and considered the wide range of factors developers and designers need to consider when looking to achieve the most sustainable option. The session included guest speakers Steve Merridew, BDP’s sustainability associate and Vanessa Wall, the Environmental Manager for Pozzoni LLP, who provided up to date information and of the key priorities for those interested in sustainability.

The final session looked at the RIBA Plan of Works and Job Roles in the sector, helping to raise awareness of the wide range of routes and opportunities available for young people. Using the Plan of Works as the basis of discussion, the session illustrated how design teams work together to deliver projects. The session was supported by Sarah Harrison of Falconer Chester Hall Ltd and the RIBA.

If you would like copies of the resources produced during these workshops click here...