Green Gown Awards 2020 - University of Derby - Finalist

S.H.E.D - Shedding preconceptions about people and place 

S.H.E.D (Social Higher Education Depot) is a flatpack, pop-up mobile arts venue and public space designed for the facilitation of conversation, using art as medium. This humble ‘garden shed’ can be transformed into a variety of bespoke environments, from a soup kitchen and library, to a performance space and a visual arts gallery. Its flexibility enables it to deliver strategically designed activities, while also providing an accessible and inclusive space that supports the needs and priorities of communities.  

It was created by University of Derby BA Interior Design staff and students, under the guidance of Creative and Arts Researcher Dr Rhiannon Jones and with the support of local cultural partners.  

S.H.E.D has only been in existence for a year but has already been involved in a huge number of projects promoting conversation around issues such as climate change, the Black Lives Matter movement, social justice and redevelopment projects. 

Top 3 learnings:

1. Our space sparks curiosity through simple and sustainable design that is cost effective and has impact.   
2. Interdisciplinary community design is about working collaboratively across subjects, with industry, H.E partners and students. 
3. Sustainable design is both the process and the product; design with, not for, a community. 

Videos

• Video #1 (click to hide)