Design Thought Leader

In 1992 I made my first study tour to the educational project of Reggio Emilia, N.Italy. I thrilled to the way that this community had, over five decades, developed extraordinary schools for young children. Every aspect, including design, grows out of close observation of children and understanding about how we learn. They refer to their approach as ‘permanent research’ and I find this constantly inspiring and challenging. They also regularly collaborate with the Domus Academy in Milan.

For the past ten years I have collaborated with educators who are committed to re-conceptualising schools and schooling. Each design project becomes part of my ongoing action research to tease out the relationship between children, learning and design. One of the most enjoyable and rewarding aspects is working closely with young people of all ages—infants to secondary. Children can be so insightful and imaginative; they are also the harshest critics and the most appreciative ‘clients’.

Mary Featherston
Designer