Making our Library Greener

A paper craft model of a library with green crumpled paper trees on each side, a blue paper roof, and a blue sign that reads 'Jesmond Library' in handwritten text. The background shows a classroom with bookshelves and bulletin boards.
A miniature model of a landscape or cityscape made from paper and other craft materials, featuring green paper representing grass or trees, with some small poles and a paper structure resembling a bench or barrier, and a small leafy bush at the botto
Children working on a craft project with a model of a building, paper, glue, and markers on a wooden table.
A colorful model of a sports stadium and field made from various craft materials and paper, placed on a table in a classroom.
Colorful handmade architectural model with a circular design, featuring a spinning wind turbine and trees, set on a paper base with a handwritten note.
Children sitting around tables with art supplies in a library or bookstore, surrounded by shelves of books.
Hands of a person working on a detailed garden design plan, with colored markers, paper, and a printed illustration of a landscape on a wooden table.
A boy in a school uniform holding a large paper sculpture of a mountain with snow-capped peaks, inside a library with shelves of books. A girl with braided hair and a yellow top is in the foreground, slightly out of focus.
A detailed architectural model of a building with several sections and landscaping elements, placed on a table with art supplies and people working in the background.
Elementary school classroom with students and teacher working on classroom activities at a table, with school books and supplies around.
A colorful, handmade diorama of a modern house with trees and landscaping, made from paper and other craft materials, placed on a table with a blueprint background. In the background, a bookshelf filled with books and a window can be seen.
Colorful paper collage artwork with circular cutouts and layered paper pieces, arranged on a flat surface.
Children engaging in arts and crafts activities at a table in a library. They are cutting paper, using glue, and creating designs with colored paper and printed patterns.
A classroom presentation where a woman is pointing at a large screen displaying a diagram about retrofit processes. Several students in school uniforms are seated and attentively listening, with some taking notes.

Designing with Children - RIBA Architect Ambassadors Programme

As part of the wider community-led retrofit vision for Jesmond Library, MAZi Architects collaborated with RIBA Learning through the Architect Ambassadors programme to invite children into the conversation about the future of their local civic space.

Working with pupils from Newcastle Prep School, the workshops explored how architecture can respond to climate change, community needs and imagination. Children learned about the Grade II listed library, its architectural history, and the ongoing retrofit ambitions before developing their own ideas for a greener, more welcoming future.

Through drawing, model-making, collage and material exploration, the children proposed ideas ranging from biodiversity interventions and renewable energy strategies to playful interiors, patterns and spaces designed around belonging.

Their ideas were later exhibited during Heritage Open Days alongside Harry Faulkner-Brown’s original drawings and model, creating a dialogue between the building’s past and the voices shaping its future.

  • The workshops formed part of MAZi’s ongoing voluntary work with the Friends of Jesmond Library, supporting the long-term future of this much-loved community asset.

    The first session, “How to Make Our Library Greener”, introduced children to the role of architects and the principles of retrofit. Following a tour of the building, pupils investigated how existing buildings can be adapted rather than replaced, exploring ideas such as improved energy performance, planting, biodiversity and renewable technologies.

    The second session, “How to Make Our Library More Fun”, focused on interior design, colour, material and experience. Using the library’s actual floor plan, children created proposals for the future children’s area, testing how small design decisions can make spaces more inclusive, joyful and welcoming.

    The project reflects MAZi’s belief that meaningful architecture begins with listening. By involving young people in the design process, the workshops encouraged children to see themselves not only as future users of buildings, but as active contributors to the places they belong to.

“Through drawing, making and conversation, children become active participants in imagining more inclusive, sustainable and joyful places.”

Education - Community Engagement - Architectural Workshops

Typology

2025

Year

Jesmond Library, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Location

Despoina Papadopoulou, Ifigeneia Dilaveraki, Sophie Draper

Team

Video

Links

  • Ifigeneia Dilaveraki, architect and co-founder of DesignBloom

    Sophie Draper, RIBA Learning rep

    Chris Clarke, Jesmond Library Trustee

    Barbara Trevitt, Librarian

    Chris Sutcliffe, Cinematographer, Video Production & Photography

    Alex Petalas, model maker