ProjectSummer Design Club
LocationBethnal Green, London
ClientYoung V&A
StatusCompleted 2025
A Hands-On Build Workshop With 10-14 Year Olds At The Young V&A
In August 2025, fourteen young designers aged 10-14 joined the Studio Bark and U-Build team for a two-day workshop at the Young V&A in Bethnal Green. Together, they imagined, designed, and built a brand-new space at the heart of the museum.
Learning Through Making
On Day One, participants were challenged to consider the needs of different users of the Young V&A’s Town Square, and to imagine and design a new full scale temporary installation that could be used and enjoyed by them. It could be a place to explore, read, hang out, think or play… The brief was theirs to explore through research, sketching and model making.
Day Two was realisation day. The young people prototyped their ideas in full scale, using our modular U-Build blocks. To embellish the space the participants created posters and branding, using Risograph printing, before installing their final co-designed architecture in the Town Square at the heart of the Young V&A.
A Space For Kids, By Kids
On the final day, the structure was unveiled to the public - and to proud friends and family - as a space entirely designed and built by Summer Design Club participants in collaboration with Studio Bark and U-Build.
The installation included a cosy corner for reading and reflection, a stage for budding performers, and a playful cave for climbing and imaginative games. Visitors were encouraged to interact - to explore, write and share their thoughts, or simply play.
The structure remained at the centre of the museum for the entire day; a hive of energy and creativity as visitors discovered new ways to make the space their own.
About U-Build
U-Build is a low-impact, inclusive building system designed by Studio Bark and guided by circular economy principles. Our aim is to make construction simple so that anyone can participate. They can be assembled with simple hand tools, enabling the user to gain a sense of accomplishment of building their environment in a matter of hours.
We’ve delivered workshops with children, young people, community groups and arts charities, proving the versatility of U-Build while creating a tangible sense of ownership in every participant.
Have you heard about U-Build’s Box Lending Library?
We lend our boxes to be used time and again for meaningful projects, from ACAN’s exhibition at Futurebuild 2025, to Waltham Forest College’s Build Tomorrow summit. Through our Box Lending Library we give the boxes multiple lives, contributing essential materials, and exemplifying the circular economy.
If you want to use U-Build for your community event, get in touch with us on (+44) 020 7993 4332, or email info@studiobark.co.uk.
