jennifer singer

The Mosaic Approach

From 2004 I have collaborated with Alison Clark on working with young people and most notably the use of the Mosaic Approach, a methodology that uses the expertise and perception of young people to draw out their insights in creating meaningful, appropriate and cost effective places for learning. Alison and Peter Moss developed the Mosaic Approach at the Thomas Coram Research Unit at the Institute of Education (University of London) and used Ashmole Primary School and Nursery as a key case study in implementing the approach both during the briefing, design and post-occupancy of the school. This research was published in numerous journals and reports around the world, and in Transforming Children’s Spaces by Alison Clark and published by Routledge Education.

This experience has resulted in a long-standing relationship with Alison, and ongoing discussions about how this methodology can be adapted and developed. The methodology has been used effectively to engage young students, giving them tools to communicate with professionals about their experience of their learning spaces. I also used this approach in consultations with primary and secondary school students at King David Campus as well as in discussions with parents and members of the school community. I believe this methodology would also be effective for working with special needs students.

This study illustrates the value of the engagement process not only in shaping the physical and visual design of learning spaces, but in fostering key conversations about the issues, needs and challenges of the school – making it an effective tool for establishing a design brief, evaluating the building itself, and giving stakeholders and professionals common ground.