Who will I be doing the workshop with?
AA Visiting School participants come from a range of backgrounds – some have just left school and are thinking about studying design or architecture; others have post-graduate degrees and established careers. In general participants are in their twenties but all ages are welcome. There will be a maximum of twelve participants in total.
What will I learn?
The focus of this workshop is designing through an understanding of materials and making processes. You will be learning practical skills (relating to forestry, carpentry, on-site construction) and how to apply this knowledge to the design process. You’ll also be learning valuable communication skills – in relation to each-other, the local community and the client.
What experience do I need?
None in particular – what you do need is an interest in design & making, and the ability to work well with others. Although you will be led and supported by tutors, the workshop will encourage independent thinking and peer-to-peer learning. You’ll be taking part as participants in a collaborative process, rather than as ‘students’.
Where will we be staying?
We will be staying at Hooke Park for the duration of the workshop, and travelling to the Kingcombe Center on certain days (which is just a few miles away). Participants will be sharing rooms in Westminster Lodge, and will be separated by gender. Each room has two beds and an en-suite shower room.
Where will we eat?
Vegetarian food will be prepared by Georgie Corry-Wright three times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). On certain days we’ll prepare meals as a group using the outdoor pizza oven and BBQ, and will go out for a meal in a local village or town at least once. If you have any particular dietary requirements, please email Clem: clem@clementineblakemore.com in advance to let her know. A charge of £180 will be required to cover food and accomodation, which should be paid in advance, along with the fees. Please bring your own snacks and refreshments if you’d like them.
How do I get to Hooke Park?
Hooke Park is located in Dorset, in the southwest of England. The nearest train station is Crewkerne – which is a few hours journey from London airports. A taxi from Crewkerne station costs about £25 and can be booked with these companies:
Crewkerne Taxis: +44 (0)1460 75088
Woods Taxi Service: +44 (0)7729 563 033
C & S Taxis: +44 (0)1460 279700
Participants will be introduced by email two weeks before the start of the workshop, in case you’d like to meet in advance and travel together.
The full address is for Hooke Park is:
Hooke
Beaminster
Dorset DT8 3PH
When should I arrive and leave?
Participants will need to arrive between 11am – 12.30pm on Saturday 14th July, and should arrange to leave between 3pm – 5pm on Sunday 22nd July. Unfortunately it’s not possible to arrive earlier that this, or stay later.
What should I bring?
– clothes that are suitable for a workshop environment
– a rainproof jacket that will allow you to work outside in the rain
– a pair of sturdy boots, ideally steel toe capped, that will protect you in the workshop and on-site
– a laptop for drafting, 3d modelling, and preparing presentations with programmes such as auto-cad, rhino & the adobe suite
– a sketchbook and pencil case with pens, pencils, scale rule, scalpel, spare blades etc.
– a camera
– cash for taxis to and from Crewkerne if you’re travelling by train
– if you live in the UK and have a car, it would be great to have an extra vehicle, but otherwise we’ll be able to use the minivan at Hooke
If you have any other questions, Clem can be reached here: clem@clementineblakemore.com
Westminster Lodge at Hooke Park, where participants will share rooms in pairs
The Refectory at Hooke Park, where we’ll be eating most meals