Learning agreement

(How would you describe your progress since you completed your last learning agreement?).

My progress has developed significantly since the last learning agreement was submitted, my work has become more focused. Much better progress was made than in the post graduate certificate phase of the MA, due to finding a specific interest which has progressed well. I understand the boundaries and extents of postgraduate study much better and have managed to define my approach. I have also taken part in a much wider variety of research including visiting’s and speaking to the staff of nurseries. Research opportunities have been explored and through this and the realisation of an installation piece my confidence has grown. The aim of the Experimentation and Feasibility module was to work towards a defined brief for the realisation module which was completed successfully and I am now ready to begin the next phase of my project.

My work has moved away from the group philosophy ‘Green doesn’t have to look Green’. This is due to looking at educating young children to live sustainable lives. I have allowed my research to shape the approach of my work which I feel is something I lacked in the PGC stage. This highlights my personal development at this stage.


(How has your understanding of your chosen topic and research questions developed since your initial learning agreement?).

The understanding of my chosen topic developed significantly as my work progressed. My research questions have set out a different approach as I have been looking at design for children. My design and creativity work will develop in the realisation module and will be focused around the research outcomes of the experimentation and feasibility module. My creative work will now be based around the following questions.

• How can designing nurseries encourage sustainable living?

• How can we create an exciting and stimulating space for young children sustainably?


Throughout the module I worked closely alongside 3 peers which has enhanced my creative flair. As this was a successful method I hope to continue this method of working and the theory of co-design will still play a large part in the outcome of the MA.


(Has the method of approach originally envisaged proven to be appropriate or have you developed your original ideas?)

The original approach remains but has been applied to a different topic than first anticipated I feel research I developed has allowed me to produce a fully defined brief for this module.

The realisation module for the MA will design a sustainable nursery based in Marske-by-the-Sea. The underlying approach for my work is very much still green design but has changed to be a visible feature rather than working to an initial group philosophy
‘Green doesn’t have to look green’
The Nursery will be private and provide all the necessary day care facilities for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. Security in the nursery will be high, staff will monitor the traffic in and out the building. Visitors will not be able to get into the building without the staff letting them through the locked door. It will be a stimulating environment promoting play, learning and green living. All of this will define the approach to creating an exciting space whilst still providing safety and security for the children.


(Do you still intend the outcomes to be as you originally envisaged, or have they changed? If they have changed, why have you changed your ideas?) What will be the outcomes?

My Original outcomes have changed to designing a nursery, at the start of the previous module I didn’t define a set outcome and allowed my work to flow progressively. My outcomes for this MA will be to produce an individual portfolio which shows off the range of skills I have. I will also spend some of the time on this module tying together my work and designing self-promotion material to make myself more employable upon completion. I hope to produce an exciting exhibition based around the project I have chosen. The possibility of a group outcome remained open at the start of the Experimentation and Feasibility stage but I will be completing an individual project which will sit nearby and will be visibly linked to those of Richard Lotter, Paul Milburn and Chantel Ormerod. We are working towards a group identity which will build upon work done in the professional and enterprise module, it will visually record all the research we have done together and how our ideas have developed through working together.

I will produce a full design project including development and various ideas for a nursery based at Marske-by-the-Sea, it will include all necessary facilities and be fully sustainable. My design will be visualized using a number of methods, the final output of images will be hand rendered and altered digitally using Photoshop techniques. The overall aim of the module is to produce a coherent, professional portfolio. The report for the realisation module will conclude outcomes and achievements on a personal level as well as bringing together final decisions and research to realise the project.