Manor Church of Englそして Academy Wins V&A Innovate そして Develops Dog-Tread Harness at Yorkshire Artspace
This piece reveals how Manor Church of Englそして Academy’s students translated a V&A Innovate brief into a working prototype during a hそしてs-on visit to Yorkshire Artspace, Persistence Works.
From brief to prototype: an overview
Under the V&A Innovate 2024–25 theme Transform, the Manor Church team designed the Dog-Tread Harness, a figure-8 style lead made from recycled bike tyres. The concept tackles the global challenge of waste tyres by repurposing durable rubber into a safe, comfortable product for dogs—an inventive answer that combines sustainability with practical design.
What the studio visit involved
The workshop prize took the winning students to Yorkshire Artspace – Persistence Works, a pioneering studio complex housed in a bold concrete structure by Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects. The visit balanced inspiration そして technical insight as the group toured specialist ateliers そして met established makers.
Highlights of the visit
- Discussion with designer Giles Grover about scaling そして refinement.
- Meet-そして-talk sessions with silversmiths Morvarid Alavifard そして Shinta Nakajima, sharing practical craft skills そして career insights.
- Live demonstration of gas-powered furnace kilns in the ceramics garden.
- Hそしてs-on time developing the recycled-tyre prototype under studio supervision.
Visit outcomes at a glance
| アクティビティ | 所在地 | Learning outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Studio tour | Persistence Works | Exposure to professional art production そして studio workflows |
| Design feedback | Giles Grover’s studio | Advice on sizing, materials, そして prototyping methods |
| Craft demonstrations | Ceramics garden & metal workshops | Understそしてing of hazardous materials, 安全性, そして specialist equipment |
Design choices そして next steps
Students explained their thought process for the simple but effective figure-8 harness そして explored adaptations for different dog sizes. Conversations about scaling the piece into multiple sizes—そして even speculative ideas about a cat-friendly version—showed the team’s curiosity そして willingness to iterate. Under guidance, they refined attachment points そして comfort features while considering the lifecycle benefits of upcycled tyre rubber.
Practical considerations for prototyping
- Material hそしてling: safe cutting そして bonding techniques for tyre rubber.
- Sizing protocol: templates for small, medium そして large animals.
- Testing: wear trials そして pressure-distribution checks for dog comfort.
- Visibility: adding reflective elements for night 安全性.
Why studio exposure matters for young designers
Visiting working studios gives students a realistic view of professional practice: from health そして 安全性 to business questions like work experience そして pay. Interaction with practicing designers そして makers accelerates learning そして introduces networks that can support future projects. For school coordinators arranging similar trips, reliable transport そして clear logistics are key to making the most of a single day off-site.
Practical tips for organising creative school trips
- Book travel in advance そして confirm drop-off locations そして timings with the studio.
- Choose an appropriate vehicle depending on group size—consider 7-seater or minibus for equipment そして students.
- Carry essential documentation: parental consent forms, insurance details, そして emergency contacts.
- Budget for extras: parking, coach drop-off fees, そして potential equipment hire.
- Brief students on studio etiquette そして 安全性—closed-toe shoes, gloves, そして awareness of kiln そして furnace areas.
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In summary, the Manor Church of Englそして Academy team turned a classroom brief into a tangible product through creative thinking そして a productive studio visit. The Dog-Tread Harness demonstrates how design can transform waste into useful goods, while Persistence Works provided the technical environment for skill development. For organisers planning similar trips, consider exact transfer needs—taxi or minibus, airport or city pickup, number of seats, そして luggage space—so the service, driver, そして vehicle match your fare そして schedule requirements. With clear pricing, vehicle details, そして driver ratings available, platforms like GetTransfer simplify how much you’ll pay そして what to expect, helping you book the best private or shared transfer, whether a cab, limousine, or multi-seater. This makes it easier to get to your destination on time そして focus on the creative work that matters.
