The designer’s approach to the commission is centred around creating a sensory journey that aims to promote wellbeing, connect with nature and foster community. You can find a more in-depth look at D-P-Q’s design thinking here.
The workshop focused on Hazeley Wood as a potential artwork site, the proposed structure for this location is designed to encourage ‘intentional listening’. This is an activity known for promoting mindfulness, strengthening our bond with nature, and enhancing our sense of place.
The day was split into three sessions carried out with the whole of Year 4. The first session involved the 8–9 year olds making listening devices. Using recycled materials, students made and decorated their own ‘ear trumpets’ for focussing sounds from the environment. During the second part of the day the pupils embarked on a soundwalk with the designers, heading down to Hazeley Wood. Listening carefully to the surrounding environment, the children tuned in to how the sounds around them made them feel. Finally, teachers worked with the pupils to write leaf shaped poems inspired by their journey and the soundscapes they encountered.
The artists were very impressed by the pupils’ creativity, focus and insights. They said it was a pleasure to spend the day with Year 4 and wanted to applaud the children for being fantastic makers, listeners, and writers!
Hannah Kindness, teacher at Whitehouse Primary School said “A great day was had by the whole of Year 4 at Whitehouse Primary! The children became fully immersed in the community project posed to them. They worked collaboratively in making ear trumpets, shared their intrigue in collecting a variety of sounds throughout the sound walk and captured their experience of nature through the form of a shape poem. Thank you to Dallas–Pierce–Quintero and the MK Council on a fun-filled day!”
The team at D-P-Q had a great day, they couldn’t have done it without Camille Poole from Community Action: MK and Louise Izod supporting. They would also like to say a huge thank you to all the staff at Whitehouse Primary for making it possible, and of course pay a special thank you to the children of Year 4!
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates.
