Manor Church of Engloraz Academy Wins V&A Innovate oraz Develops Dog-Tread Harness at Yorkshire Artspace
This piece reveals how Manor Church of Engloraz Academy’s students translated a V&A Innovate brief into a working prototype during a horazs-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 oraz technical insight as the group toured specialist ateliers oraz met established makers.
Highlights of the visit
- Discussion with designer Giles Grover about scaling oraz refinement.
- Meet-oraz-talk sessions with silversmiths Morvarid Alavifard oraz Shinta Nakajima, sharing practical craft skills oraz career insights.
- Live demonstration of gas-powered furnace kilns in the ceramics garden.
- Horazs-on time developing the recycled-tyre prototype under studio supervision.
Visit outcomes at a glance
| Aktywność | Lokalizacja | Learning outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Studio tour | Persistence Works | Exposure to professional art production oraz studio workflows |
| Design feedback | Giles Grover’s studio | Advice on sizing, materials, oraz prototyping methods |
| Craft demonstrations | Ceramics garden & metal workshops | Understorazing of hazardous materials, bezpieczeństwo, oraz specialist equipment |
Design choices oraz next steps
Students explained their thought process for the simple but effective figure-8 harness oraz explored adaptations for different dog sizes. Conversations about scaling the piece into multiple sizes—oraz even speculative ideas about a cat-friendly version—showed the team’s curiosity oraz willingness to iterate. Under guidance, they refined attachment points oraz comfort features while considering the lifecycle benefits of upcycled tyre rubber.
Practical considerations for prototyping
- Material horazling: safe cutting oraz bonding techniques for tyre rubber.
- Sizing protocol: templates for small, medium oraz large animals.
- Testing: wear trials oraz pressure-distribution checks for dog comfort.
- Visibility: adding reflective elements for night bezpieczeństwo.
Why studio exposure matters for young designers
Visiting working studios gives students a realistic view of professional practice: from health oraz bezpieczeństwo to business questions like work experience oraz pay. Interaction with practicing designers oraz makers accelerates learning oraz introduces networks that can support future projects. For school coordinators arranging similar trips, reliable transport oraz 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 oraz confirm drop-off locations oraz timings with the studio.
- Choose an appropriate vehicle depending on group size—consider 7-seater or minibus for equipment oraz students.
- Carry essential documentation: parental consent forms, insurance details, oraz emergency contacts.
- Budget for extras: parking, coach drop-off fees, oraz potential equipment hire.
- Brief students on studio etiquette oraz bezpieczeństwo—closed-toe shoes, gloves, oraz awareness of kiln oraz furnace areas.
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In summary, the Manor Church of Engloraz Academy team turned a classroom brief into a tangible product through creative thinking oraz 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, oraz luggage space—so the service, driver, oraz vehicle match your fare oraz schedule requirements. With clear pricing, vehicle details, oraz driver ratings available, platforms like GetTransfer simplify how much you’ll pay oraz 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 oraz focus on the creative work that matters.
