Last December, AWW welcomed the 2024 Shape My City cohort back to our Bristol studio for another evening of creativity and collaboration. Delighted to be partnering with Design West again, we hosted an engaging interior design led workshop, inspiring students aged 15–18 to explore the dynamic world of workplace design.
Shape My City is a year-long, award-winning programme aimed at encouraging under represented young people, to pursue careers in the built environment. AWW is proud to contribute to this mission by showcasing the possibilities within our industry and sparking students' imaginations. Last year a student from the programme applied to return to us for further work experience, which were delighted to fulfil, and hope to repeat in 2025.
Shaping the Future: Students reimagine the workplace at AWW
AWW and Design West reunite through Shape My City for another inspiring session, challenging students to design an ideal creative space.
7 January 2025
The evening’s challenge? To reimagine our office as a workspace tailored to a specific client brief. With support from our architects and interior designers, students divided into teams to develop their ideas. They considered how their client’s fun, curious, and collaborative ethos could translate into physical spaces. From innovative use of lighting and soundscapes to bold colour palettes reflecting the brand, the students brought fresh perspectives to the brief.
“These sessions offer a fantastic insight into the world of design but also shine a light on the alternative routes to accessing the built environment there are available. Part of the purpose of these workshops is to breakdown perceived barriers.” Maddie Jackson – Session Coordinator
The session wrapped up with a group presentation, where each team shared their final designs and insights. Students reflected on what they enjoyed, the challenges they faced, and how the experience had broadened their understanding of design careers. Workshops like this reinforce the importance of diversity in design. By nurturing young talent from all backgrounds, Shape My City opens doors and equips participants with the skills and confidence to shape their futures, and their cities.
For more information on Shape My City, visit Design West’s website.
Photo credit: Paul Blakemore (c)
