Lesson video

Hello, my name is Miss Badru.

I hope that you are all doing well.

I'm really looking forward to teaching and learning with you today.

Our learning outcome for this lesson is I can create and confidently pitch a design idea.

Here are our key words for this lesson, pitch, brief and proposal.

Let's explore each one in turn and find out what they mean.

Pitch, a short, clear presentation that explains an idea and persuades others to support or choose it.

Brief, a set of instructions or goals for a project that guides the design process.

And proposal, an outline of your idea, showing how it meets the brief and why it's the best option.

So those are our key words, pitch, brief and proposal.

Okay, our lesson outline, telling a story, pitching ideas to an audience.

So let's start with our first learning cycle, develop your idea and plan the pitch.

Your practical outcome may look like this.

Okay, what is the purpose of these drawings? Let's see what Jacob and Sophia have to say.

Jacob says, "The drawings are to show an architect's idea for a new building." Sofia suggests, "They give us an idea of what a building might feel like, busy and exciting, or quiet and calm." What is a pitch? A pitch is a short, clear way of sharing your idea with others.

It is used by architects, designers and artists to show how their ideas meet a brief and is usually presented through speech.

A pitch can explain an idea, aim to convince others that it is worth doing, use drawings, models and moodboards to help visualise ideas.

Good design must be inclusive and accessible to all.

"Seats at the Table" was a co-designed installation in a public space by the blind architect, Poppy Levison.

It focused on disability and sustainability, bringing together young people and disabled creatives to design accessible chairs and a communal table made from recycled materials.

"Making Waves" was a fun, accessible installation by deaf architects Richard Dougherty and Chris Laing with The DisOrdinary Architecture Project.

Built outside a theatre in Hannover, it was a social space full of sound, light and movement, and colour.

Inspired by sign language and Disability Pride, it helped people connect in playful and inclusive ways.

The brief is the starting point for any design.

It outlines what the client would like and the problem to solve.

An architect will think about the following questions.

Who is it for? What is the space like? What mood or purpose should it have? Artists and architects who have worked to a brief include the Ramadan Pavilion by Shahed Saleem was designed in response to a brief exploring British Muslim identity.

He developed his ideas by reflecting on history, community and architecture, drawing inspiration from London buildings that had changed use over time.

The pavilion shows how architects use research, drawing and model-making to turn a concept.

Amaza Lee Meredith was one of the first Black female architects in the US.

She designed her own home, Azurest South, developing ideas that combined modern design with personal expression and pride, creating a space that reflected her identity and vision.

Artists and architects may pitch for a specific project, such as a pavilion project.

Every year, the Serpentine Gallery in London invites a different architect from around the world to design a temporary pavilion in Kensington Gardens.

It is a chance to pitch a creative proposal that responds to the space and invites the public in.

The Venice Biennale invites artists and architects from around the world to design pavilions that share a message or theme.

These spaces show off bold ideas through drawings, models and installations.

Architects create briefs for different contexts.

This example brief is for a communal and performance space.

Design an outdoor, communal space for the centre of your school.

It should be a welcoming space that should also work as an all-weather performance area where people can watch or take part in performances, presentations or group activities.

Think about how your design can be used in different ways in different weather and how it can be accessible, creative and inviting.

These pupils are discussing the brief.

Let's see what they've got to say.

You could add a quiet space nearby in case people want a break from the crowd.

It needs to be a space where people can hang out, but also perform.

Seating might need to be at different heights so it's comfortable for everyone.

You would need to design something that works in all weathers.

The design needs to bring people together.

It needs to be welcoming and accessible to all, okay.

A proposal is a plan that shows how your design idea meets the brief, the goals of the project.

It should explain what your idea is, why it works and how it solves the problem.

A proposal helps others to understand your thinking.

It can include the following, drawings, models, notes, moodboards.

It's like your design pitch on paper, clear, creative and full of purpose.

Andeep, Sam and Izzy are discussing proposal ideas in response to the brief for a communal and performance space.

Let's see what they've got to say.

My proposal could include a model showing different textures and patterns that can be felt, not just seen.

In my drawing, I can add dark colours on the walls near the stage to create focus on the performance.

Materials need to be environmentally friendly and last a long time.

I will add notes to the design, and the design should be flexible and work for quiet chatting to loud performances, which I can show in a moodboard.

Architects create well-considered and clear proposals that present their vision of the brief.

These include artist Halima Cassell, who worked with the Heatherwick Studio team on a design proposal for a Queen Elizabeth Memorial to be situated in St.

James' Park.

The brief called for an emotionally powerful space of reflection, one that would celebrate Her Majesty's legacy with sensitivity and imagination.

Cassell and the Heatherwick Studio team submitted a proposal describing their vision for the memorial, along with drawings and mockups of what the memorial would look like.

Although they didn't win the commission, Cassell spoke of the importance of creating with courage, empathy and conviction.

Okay, let's check in for understanding.

Is the following statement true or false? A proposal helps show how your idea fits the brief so others can see why it's a good solution.

Is this true or false? Pause for a moment here and think about your answer and why.

Okay, what was your answer? The answer is true, and why is this so? A good proposal makes your idea clear and shows you have thought about what's needed.

It helps people understand why your idea should be chosen.

Okay, let's continue our journey.

A strong proposal will tell a story and communicate the architect's ideas to the client.

It will generally have a beginning, middle and end.

Where the idea came from, beginning, I was inspired by how it developed.

Middle, my idea solves.

What the final result could be, end, I chose materials and colours because.

Let's look at these pupils who are beginning to plan the proposal.

Alex says, "I'm going to start by explaining what the space is for and why it is needed." Okay, Jacob says, "I need to make it clear who will use the space and how it will help them." Laura says, "In the middle part of my proposal, I need to describe the key features of the space." "At the end," Jacob says, "I need to summarise the most important point in my design." Alex says, "I will end with my design with why my design is a good choice and how it will work well." Prepare a pitch.

Remember, a pitch is a short, clear way to share your design idea with others.

Architects use pitches to verbally present their proposal, a plan that explains how their ideas meet the brief.

Your pitch should explain your design idea, show how the design fits the brief, highlight what makes it unique or exciting.

The pitch tells the story of your design and gets people interested to win their support.

Okay, let's have a check-in for understanding.

What is a pitch? Let's look at our options.

Is it A, it can explain a design idea, or is it B, it can convince others that the design is worth creating? C, it may include drawings, models, and moodboards, or D, all of the above.

Let's pause for a moment here and then regroup.

The answer is D, all of the above.

A pitch is more than just reading about the facts about the design.

Some people think that a pitch is just listing the features of the design, such as here's my model, here's the stage, here's the colours.

A strong pitch tells a story.

It shows what the problem is, how the ideas solve it, and why the design is the best choice.

The pitch should have a beginning, middle and end.

It should be clear and persuasive and make people care about your idea.

A great pitch helps your design stand out, not just be explained.

Okay, when creating a proposal for your pitch, visuals can help communicate your ideas clearly.

Think about colour, materials and pattern when creating a moodboard.

Think about building 3D maquettes by experimenting with paper and card.

Sketch your ideas using perspective drawing.

Okay, so Alex has created a moodboard, drawings and a maquette for his proposal.

I liked the curves used in one of the Serpentine pavilions I researched.

My simple maquette helps show how the space enclosed, but still open to all.

I have chosen mainly neutral colours to create a calm and relaxing space.

I have included benches for people to sit on, but there is space for wheelchairs and access to everyone.

Okay, let's check in for understanding.

True or false? A good pitch tells a story with a beginning, middle and end.

Is this true or false? Take a moment here to think about this statement and select your option.

Okay, let's find out.

The answer is true.

So why do you think that is? Because telling your idea like a story helps people understand it better.

A clear beginning, middle and end makes your pitch easier to follow and more memorable for your audience.

Okay, let's focus on our task A, develop your idea and plan the pitch.

So number one, understand the purpose of the brief.

Respond to these questions to help identify the purpose of the brief.

Who is the design for your target audience? What does the space need to do, the function? Select at least two different functions for your design.

Where will it be? The location is gonna be indoors, outdoors, the position within the school campus.

Produce a mind map or notes to document your ideas.

Pause the video here whilst you complete your practical task.

Okay, let's continue with number one, understand the purpose of a brief.

The design brief is to design a new communal space for your school.

It should be a welcoming place where students can meet, relax and spend time with friends.

The space should be multifunctional, might be used for dance, presentations, performance, collaboration space, meetings, exercise, socialising.

Your design must be accessible, creative and inviting.

Understand the purpose of the brief.

It needs to have an area where people can come together and feel part of the community.

The space should feel welcoming to all and be easy to use.

I chose my space to function for music, drama and dance activities.

The design needs to help performers and audiences enjoy the experience.

Using bright colours will make the space feel exciting.

Okay, let's look at number two now, creating a proposal for your pitch.

Visual representation through a proposal is important to communicate your ideas to the client.

You could create a moodboard, drawings of your idea, a 3D maquette.

Remember to keep the visuals neat but expressive, label important features.

Use colour to highlight mood or purpose.

We're gonna continue on this little journey.

All right, let's see what Sam has to say.

I have chosen colours that match the mood of the space, bright and energetic.

I was inspired by the colours that were used in the Ramadan Pavilion.

The drawings and model will help show what the space will look and feel like.

My moodboard helped me focus on my style before I started designing.

Let's see what Aisha has to say.

I found making waves intervention inspiring.

My maquette helps to visualise and show what the shelter would look like from different angles.

I have used primary colours to keep the design simple but powerful.

Okay, let's move on to our second learning cycle, which is practise and delivery of your presentation.

Why do artists and architects pitch their work? To explain a proposal clearly so others can understand what they are creating and why, to show how a proposal meets a brief, helping clients to see how their needs are being met.

To tell the story behind the work, help the ideas come to life by showing inspiration, materials and purpose, to aim to be chosen for real building projects.

A strong pitch helps others connect with your ideas and makes your work stand out.

Artists often pitch design ideas.

For the 59th Venice Biennale in 2022, Małgorzata Mirga-Tas became the first Roma artist to represent Poland.

She pitched a powerful idea to spotlight Roma history and culture, creating large-scale textile works that reimagined Renaissance imagery through a Roma lens, carefully responding to the brief to challenge stereotypes and centre marginalised voices.

Let's check in for understanding.

Is the following statement true or false? Architects and artists always construct their buildings before showing their idea.

Is it true or false? Let's pause for a moment here and think about your answer.

Okay, what do you think? The answer is false, and why do you think this is? They usually present their ideas first through a proposal, including drawings and models, and present a pitch.

Architects prepare for a pitch by explaining their design clearly, what is it, why it works, who it is for and how it meets the brief, structuring the pitch with a beginning, middle and end, using visuals in their proposal, including sketches, models or moodboards to help explain their idea.

Practising speaking clearly and steadily by rehearsing with a peer or in front of a mirror, being ready for any questions by thinking about what questions might be asked and how they might answer.

Okay, architects pitch ideas to explain their proposal clearly, confidently and creatively, so others understand and support their vision.

Start strong.

Introduce who you are and your idea clearly.

Speak slowly, don't rush.

Let your audience absorb your words.

Make eye contact.

Look up and engage with your listeners.

Use visuals, support your words with drawings, models, or slides.

Practise, rehearsing helps you feel calm and prepared.

When planning your pitch, you can think about each aspect of the presentation, including explaining how your design meets the brief, expanding your idea clearly using visuals from your proposal to support your idea.

Planning the order of your pitch, think beginning, middle and end.

Practise speaking clearly and confidently, okay.

Let's check in for understanding with the following question.

Why is it important to practise your pitch before presenting? Let's look at our options.

A, so you can memorise every word, or is it B, to help you feel more confident and clear, or C, because your drawings need improving, or D, to make your pitch longer? Let's pause for a moment here and have a think about your answer from the choices given.

Okay, the answer is B.

It's important to practise your pitch before presenting to help you feel more confident and clear.

Practising helps you speak clearly, stay calm and remember your key points.

A confident pitch helps people understand and support your idea.

Okay, let's continue.

So number one, plan your pitch, know the brief.

Think back to task A1 and identify what was important to your brief.

Identify who is the design for, what does the space need to do? Where will it be? Write down your ideas under these headings to plan your pitch.

So please pause the video here and take time to respond to these questions.

Please resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's continue.

Plan your pitch, know the brief.

Let's see what our students have to say.

So Aisha says, "The space is for the whole school community.

It has to work for all ages and abilities." Alex says, "The purpose of the space shapes our ideas.

I am designing for a reason, not just for looks." If we forget the brief, the design might not meet the purpose.

Plan your pitch, know the audience.

Think about who you are speaking to.

Will your audience be teachers, classmates or visitors? Use language and images that will help them understand your idea clearly.

Think about what the audience cares about, function, creativity, sustainability.

Add these ideas to your plan.

Please pause the video for a moment and continue adding these ideas to your plan.

Please resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's see what our students have to say about this.

So we continue to plan your pitch, know the audience.

Aisha says, "My pitch is aimed at students, teachers, architects and leaders who would like a space that works for everyone." Alex says, "I have made sure my ideas are realistic and achievable so the panel knows I have thought things through." I would like to impress people who are looking for smart ideas and creative thinking.

The people we are pitching to want to see good planning and that we have listened to the brief.

Okay, let us continue with our planning.

Plan your pitch, tell a story.

Structure your pitch like a story.

Take people on a journey through your idea.

Your pitch should have a beginning, the brief, the problem you want to solve, a middle, present your idea, an end, why is it special, why it works? Explain how your design responds to the brief and why it matters.

Add these ideas and thoughts to your plan.

Please pause the video here for a moment and spend some time adding to your plan using the guide above.

Feel free to resume when you are ready.

Okay, let's see what our students have to say.

Plan your pitch, tell a story, okay.

Aisha says, "I have planned my pitch to tell a story from the problem to my solution.

I started thinking about what people need, then how I have solved it." I want the people listening to imagine being in the space, how it feels, sounds and works.

I would like to show the journey of how I developed my design from the moodboard to the maquette.

Part four, plan your pitch, use your proposal.

Show your idea through the drawings and models from your proposal.

Include sketches, models or moodboards and colour schemes to help explain your idea.

Point to them as you speak.

Your proposal should support your explanation and show how your idea has developed.

Okay, plan your pitch, use your proposal.

Let's refer to what our students have to say.

My proposal includes a small maquette to help show how the space works from different angles.

The visuals I have created for my proposal help make my pitch more interesting and help me explain without needing lots of words.

Using colours in my drawings have helped show how the different areas are used.

Okay, we're going to continue to plan your pitch, but now practise speaking.

The more you practise, the more confident you will become.

Use your preparation sheet to help you with your pitch.

Speak clearly, don't rush and at a steady pace.

Try not to read everything.

Rehearse with a friend or in front of a mirror.

Use note cards if you need them, and make eye contact to engage the audience, okay? Let's pause the video here whilst you complete this practical task.

Practise speaking to boost your confidence.

The more you practise, the better you'll be.

Follow the guidance below and resume the video when you are ready.

Plan your pitch, practise speaking.

"It has helped me speak louder, slower and more clearly," Alex says.

Rehearsing has showed me which parts were tricky and needed more practise.

Sam says, "I have found out which visuals to talk about and when to use them." Doing the pitch more than once helped me remember what to say.

I have got better at using my body language and eye contact by practising.

Okay, plan your pitch, be ready for questions.

After your pitch, people might want to know more.

This is a good thing, by the way.

It shows they are interested in your idea.

Think about what people might ask and how you might answer.

For example, why did you choose this material? Be ready to explain how it suits your design or links to the brief.

Could this space work in bad weather? Think about practical solutions like shelter or drainage.

It's okay to say, "That's a great question.

I haven't thought of that yet." It shows that you are thinking like a real designer.

Okay, let's pause the video here whilst you complete this practical task.

Spend some time thinking about additional potential questions that people may ask you about your pitch, but also think about the potential answers that you can prepare in advance.

Always keep making reference back to the brief that will help you come up with new ideas.

Please resume the video when you are ready.

Okay, plan your pitch, be ready for questions.

Let's see what our students have to say.

Aisha says, "I practise listening carefully so I can answer the actual question being asked." If I don't know an answer, I'll try to stay calm and explain what I was thinking.

Practising the pitch with friends helped me get better at answering questions.

I thought about questions like, who is the space for? What is so special about my design? How does it work? Okay, preparing and practising your pitch.

Think about your presentation.

What are you going to say? Have you explained your idea clearly? Have you said how it meets the brief, used your visuals to support your idea? Speak clearly and confidently.

Let's see what our students have to say.

Alex explained about his ideas behind his proposal really clearly.

Aisha could try speaking a bit louder next time to communicate her ideas clearly.

Sam's drawing and her use of colour showed mood well, creating a bright and vibrant space.

Reflect on what you have presented.

Think about your pitch.

What was successful? How did the client react? Try answering these questions to help you.

What part of the pitch are you proud of? What was tricky and how did you deal with it? What would you do differently next time? Okay, so please take a moment here to pause the video and answer those questions as honestly as you can.

Then resume the video once you have finished.

Okay, let's continue to reflect on what you have presented.

Sam says, "The visuals look great and help bring our ideas to life.

At first, remembering my pitch was hard, but I practised using cue cards.

Next time, I'd get more feedback early on so I can make changes before the pitch." Aisha says, "Speaking in front of people made me nervous, but I practised and that helped a lot.

I'm really proud of how clearly I explained my design.

It all made sense.

Next, I'd work more on the timing so I don't rush or forget anything important." Let's go to our summary, telling a story, pitching ideas to an audience.

Architects present their ideas through a pitch, a short, clear explanation of how their design answers a brief.

A good proposal clearly supports a pitch by presenting visuals that communicate the design vision.

To win a project, ideas need to be clear, creative and easy to understand.

Confident speaking helps make a strong impression, and with practise, we can all learn techniques to manage nerves and share our ideas well.

Well, that takes us to the end of our lesson for today, wishing you the best of luck on your design journey.

Thank you and see you again soon.