PLACE architects with Launceston Town Council, Launceston Chamber of Commerce and The Orchard Centre have been encouraging the next generation of architects and creative thinkers for the annual Children’s Architectural Model Competition. 

Children from across Devon and Cornwall, aged four to 11, were invited to create a model in light of the refurbishment of St Mary Magdalene’s clock (Cornwall’s oldest public facing clock) with sustainability at the forefront of the design. 

Tash Baskerville, PLACE architects event organiser, said: “We were delighted with the volume of submissions and the amount of effort really shone through!” 

The exhibition of models took place over Launceston Heritage Weekend on June 17 and 18 at the Town Hall where the public were invited to view the entries including the winners that achieved first, second and third place as well as ‘special mentions’. Prizes were handed out and 1st place winners of each age group (four to seven, eight to 11) received a specially made 3D printed trophy based on St Stephens’ Church clock tower. 

The winners were invited to receive their trophy from members of PLACE architects, the Mayor, Cllr Helen Bailey and Town Clerk, Chris Drake. 

It was a community spirited event with lots of local organisations getting involved. Local volunteers from the Chamber of Commerce and Library gave their time to steward the exhibition over the weekend and newly opened Church St sweet shop, FizzyWhizzyWoo donated sweets for exhibitors. 

The town hall provided the exhibition space and the library also hosted a clock model-making session at their lego club in advance. 

Mark Kemp, director PLACE architects: “It is key to give young people the opportunity to interact with the built environment around them by asking them to look closely at their surroundings. It was an incredibly tough decision to choose the winners this year, as the creativity and effort by participants was exceptional”.

The event has also received worldwide acclaim having been picked up by state-wide ABC Radio in Launceston, Tasmania who have expressed an interest in joining for next year’s competition. Tash Baskerville of PLACE (competition organiser) will be talking about Launceston on the state-wide show soon.

The practice are seeking ideas for next year’s theme which can fit with the syllabus for local schools alongside the element of sustainability. 

Contact Tash with any ideas at [email protected]