Sophie Hull from the BA (Hons) Interior Design programme was awarded the prize for the winning design for the Dearne Valley Sports Village. The competition was sponsored by the Park Gate Sports Trust to design the interior architecture and finishes for their new clubhouse on the 23 acre site in Skelmanthorpe near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
The trust is planning its new village to provide sports facilities to the youth of the Upper Dearne Valley in cooperation with the British Amateur Rugby League Association (BARLA), the Rugby Football League (RFL), the Football Foundation, and Kirklees Metropolitan Council. Other interested parties include the NHS and the MOD, who plan to use the facilities for physical and occupational therapy.
The 2nd year class in Interior Design were briefed this past October by Chairman, Christopher Ward, Project Director, Dr. David Hill of David Stuart Hill Structural and Civil Engineers and the architect, Kevin Dawson of Zero Architecture. Students were asked to design two floors of the clubhouse, concentrating on flexible use of the spaces, sustainability of products, processes and recycling as well as identification with the local communities.
Lecturer Pat Oliver stated, “ All the student projects are commended in demonstrating conceptual developments of merit, but six (Katrina Johnson, Josie Lisle, Sophie Hull, Francesco Pilliterri, Joe Rosier and Matt Smurthwaite) were exemplary in approaching the problems of the brief in highly creative and thought provoking ways.” After a nerve- racking process, where each student presented their work visually and talked about their design, the panel selected Sophie’s work as the overall winner. Her conceptual approach to the reception area created a welcoming entrance to the building, an engaging use of the volumetric space and a strong connection to the rural location of the sports village.
Chairman Christopher Ward said, “We were surprised and delighted with the standard of work shown to us. The designs exceeded our expectations and each one offered unique and individualised approaches to solving the problems of the brief. Based on the creativity and innovation as well as the communication skills displayed, we would recommend any one of these students for work in the industry, but Sophie’s had the edge. “
Sophie will take up a combined work placement this summer with Zero Architecture and David Stuart Hill Structural and Civil Engineers, giving her unique dual experience of interior architectural design and of construction design management.
