Towards the end of last year, Cris and Kajal from Dallas–Pierce–Quintero (D-P-Q) visited Fairfields Primary School to introduce pupils to new ways of exploring their environments. This experimental workshop formed part of their wider community engagement for the latest public art commission for Fairfields and Whitehouse. The commission envisages a series of furniture and devices aimed at creating a sensory journey through the local landscape. The proposal seeks to connect the community to their senses, each other and the surrounding landscape. You can read more about the inspiration behind the project here.
The aim of the visit was to encourage pupils to become more in tune with their senses and to explore different ways of navigating their surroundings. The workshop was focused on one of our key senses – sight. The designers worked with the school council, who represented Years 2-6, over the course of the day. First, students were tasked with using recycled materials to create and decorate pericopes. Armed with their handmade periscopes, students were led on a walk and encouraged to document views, emotions, and moments through words and photography. Back at the school, students shared their experiences in a class discussion and translated their experiences into short poems and drawings. The team at D-P-Q were very impressed by the craftmanship in making, the enthusiasm and observations on the walk and the quality of work produced afterwards. The student council should be very proud of themselves for their hard work and for representing the school so well.
D-P-Q would like to thank Louise Izod from MK Council for supporting on the day, the dedicated teachers at Fairfields Primary for making the workshop happen, and the student council for being fantastic!
Stay tuned for updates as the project continues to develop!
