30 Bird and architects public works worked with pupils at St Matthew’s Primary School in the city’s Norfolk St to design The Factory. This is the first of five structures to be built by this unique partnership of performance makers, pupils and architects. Titled MUD it is a key part of a long-term project linked to the redevelopment of the school premises. The structures are designed to be outdoor play structures and also to house arts and cultural events open to the public – playgrounds for imagination, fun and creativity that are open to all.
Over an 18 month period 30 Bird and public works worked closely with pupils, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and the surrounding community, capturing their stories and triggering their imaginations. The children actively participated in the architectural design process.
When asked about the project, a St Matthew’s pupil said “We’ve never done anything like this before. I wish we could do more”
The Factory will launch on Wednesday 27 November at 7.15pm with music from the school choir and Mawson Street Community Orchestra.
