Catherine Ward Associate at HLM Architects SEN Expert

Catherine Ward, Associate at HLM Architects, will be joining a panel of education and design experts for a Festival of Learning Spaces webinar called ‘Practical Ideas’ on Wednesday, 8 July.

The session will discuss the impact of Covid-19 on learner needs, ideas that the built environment can offer created by a range of architects, how practitioners and local authorities are planning practical implementation of ideas, and insights around landscape architecture and design.

Catherine will be joined by Holly Passmore, Researcher for Psychology and Spaces; Diarmaid Lawlor, Associate Director – Place, Scottish Futures Trust; Lesley McMillan, Interior and Architectural Design, City of Edinburgh Council; Pamela Briggs, Headteacher at Edinburgh’s Corstorphine Primary School; and Wildside Designs Director Judi Legg.

As part of the panel, Catherine will examine the principles used in the design of space for Special Education Needs / Additional Support Needs school projects, including what key aspects are important for learner experiences, such as colour schemes, creating a nurturing environment, and sensory-based rooms.

She will also discuss the challenges that the current pandemic has generated, and how this has affected design principles in learner spaces.

Catherine said: “We are living in a time of flux, and more than ever we need to make the most out of essential spaces for learners. The focus now needs to be on what can be done with spaces to provide safety, while maintaining supportive and effective learning for young people. I look forward to debating how we can use these ideas to develop and further enhance future learning environments.”

The Festival of Learning Spaces takes place from 1 June – 10 July and features a host of free-to-attend webinars, on-demand content, workshops, and socials including yoga classes.

For more information on the panel or to register, visit https://www.festivaloflearningspaces.com/seminar/practical-ideas/

“We are living in a time of flux, and more than ever we need to make the most out of essential spaces for learners. The focus now needs to be on what can be done with spaces to provide safety, while maintaining supportive and effective learning for young people. I look forward to debating how we can use these ideas to develop and further enhance future learning environments.”

Catherine Ward, Associate & SEN Expert