Homework

Working with The Children's Parliament in The Royal High School building on Calton Hill was a great experience in a great building. Just being there was a powerful reminder of two obvious design lessons.

Firstly, the significance of space. Being in an environment with architectural presence reminds everyone of all ages that the way your surroundings look and feel affects the way you behave, and the perceived value of what you are doing.

Secondly, the history of a place is important. What a place stands for, and what it means to its community, goes way beyond the architectural merits of its columns and cornices. People define buildings.

We asked the children to think over the next few weeks about how they feel in different spaces, and to ask questions of themselves about why they respond the way they do. It’s homework we should all be doing if we are to create new buildings with resonance and significance.