The workshops in this project played a central role its operation. In a proposal to participate in the ‘Summer Thing’ week of workshops on the theme of ‘The Jungle’ in Bridport August I had suggested a firing of the ceramic objects made by the 8-12 year old children in a kiln-sculpture. The workshops would be titled ‘Urban Jungle’.

These one and a half day workshops were designed to playfully explore architecture. Children were shown the kiln-sculpture of the town hall and the ceramic process of designing, constructing, drying, glazing and firing was explained. We discussed images of well known buildings (exhibited) and discussed their forms and functions. Children were then invited to imagine a structure they would like to build that people could use in some way.

The quick designs the children made are shown here. Many show a developing understanding of some of the formal language of architecture. Windows, arches, and doors, stairs, turrets, pillars. Interestingly some show a trait common in children's drawings of buildings: that of the building as a face, or a figure. All show an immediacy that is fresh and confident.

Throughout their construction of their sculptural buildings children developed an understanding of three dimensional form in relation to architectural space and function. Their imaginations worked at an astounding pace, continually amusing themselves with the possible worlds that their creations suggested.

During the workshops the children saw some of the artist's own work including a sculpture made especially for ‘SummerThing ‘05’ of Bridport Town Hall. This is an exact clay representation of the Town Hall that measures approximately 4ft high. To look at it on this miniature scale is to see the Town Hall in a new light, as a sculptural architectural wonder that is a marvellous central focus to Bridport town.

The firing in this way of the Town Hall kiln-sculpture with the children’s sculptures inside has several functions as an artwork. It allows the children of the workshop to understand first hand the processes and techniques involved with making and firing clay. For the artist it was been an opportunity, through highlighting the sculptural form of the Town Hall, to discuss with local people the past, present and future of a key architectural feature of Bridport.