In the year that all eyes are on the UK as host country of COP26 in Glasgow, Class Of Your Own joined forces with ‘After the Pandemic’ to launch an exciting competition.
Children and young people were challenged to ‘Design The COP’ – the Centre for Our Planet – an exciting, educational building where they can creatively explore the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths of Climate Change; a place for children and young people to highlight and drive the youth response to the global climate emergency.
Teams from all over the world submitted their designs and Heriot-Watt University undergraduates from Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia campuses had the unenviable task of shortlisting entries to strict criteria.
On the 9th day of COP26, five esteemed judges gathered at the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre to pick winning entries from three age categories and then choose one entry that represented the ‘best of the best’ in young designers.
Three superb WINNERS – and the Best of the Best
As world leaders and construction industry champions finalise their Built Environment-focused discussions on the 11th day of COP26, we are thrilled to announce the winners of our ‘Design The COP’ competition.
“Entries from children and young people were of such a high standard – it was a challenge in itself to pick a winner!”
Chris Stark, Chief Executive, UK Climate Change Committee
Age category 1 (11-13)
Oskar, Kevin, Finn, Sarah, Daniela and Alagi – Drummond Community High School, Edinburgh.
“The Drummond team presented a good, wide coverage of the design criteria.”
Professor T. Malcolm Chrisp, Heriot-Watt University
Judges also highly commended the entry from Avani, Olivia, Rosa and Kiyan from Jumeirah College, Dubai.
Age category 2 (14-16)
Olivia, Charlotte and Lauren – Wimbledon High School
“I really like the layout, the setting out of the report and building to a conclusion – it’s amazing they’ve even put a time programme in there!”
Zoe Sharpe, Senior Development Manager, Dandara
Age category 3 (post 16-18) and BEST OF THE BEST
Chu Jia Sheng (“JJ”) – Prince of Wales Island International School, Penang
A truly incredible, inspirational entry that overwhelmingly met the brief of an education centre designed by young people, for young people.
“If there is one entry that makes you feel that you want to go, it’s this entry. I just love it and I would definitely take my children there. There is such an emotional connection to this great design.”
Anne Johnstone, Founder & CEO – Fair Futures
“The overarching feeling for me is that, if you are trying to capture the imagination of young people and the importance of Climate Change, this would be a go-to building. It’s fun, it’s colourful…and there’s a great sensibility in terms of how it’s made. It’s outstanding.”
Stephen Hodder MBE, Chairman – Hodder + Partners
We’ll be showcasing all three winning designs in a special article, coming soon.
Congratulations to all the young people from schools around the world who took part in this year’s fantastic challenge. Once again, you’ve shown us the Future of Construction – and the future of our planet – is in great hands.
