INTERACTIVE TECH DESIGN COMPETITION LAUNCHED BY CROYDON AND ARCHITECTS’ JOURNAL / ADVICE PORTAL FOR CROYDON’S 13 TO 19 AGE GROUP GETS ‘MAKEOVER’
A competition to find an innovative piece of new technology that will enhance the experience of those visiting Croydon town centre has been launched by Croydon council.
The council has partnered with the Architects’ Journal for the Croydon i-Street competition, which is inviting talented designers to submit an interactive, tech-led concept that will help people find their way around Croydon and provide information about events that are happening around the borough.
“As well as being a useful wayfinding tool for visitors circumnavigating the area, the innovative piece of tech also needs to be interactive and easily adaptable to accommodate Croydon’s ever changing streetscape” said a Croydon council spokeswoman.
“The competition seeks a concept design for a route between West Croydon and Fairfield Halls, which will be used as a prototype. “If a workable, cost-effective and successful proposal is found, the scheme will be rolled out across the town centre.
“Multi-disciplinary teams are permitted and entrants are invited to consider collaborating with a range of professionals including: architects, graphic designers, lighting experts, wayfinding experts, technology and software companies, urban planners, product manufacturers, street furniture designers, acousticians, accessibility experts and artists.”
Cllr Alison Butler, Croydon’s cabinet member for homes, regeneration and planning said: “We are really excited to commission this competition which we hope will lead to an original product that embraces innovative technology and will help people navigate around Croydon as exciting change happens”.
Deadline for submissions is Friday 26th May and shortlisted entries will be assessed by a judging panel chaired by BBC journalist and presenter Razia Iqbal.
Razia said: “I am delighted to be chairing the judging panel for this exciting competition. “We want to see the creation of a revolutionary product that becomes instantly synonymous with Croydon.
“It needs to look good, be fun to use and must prove to be a valuable tool for Croydon visitors and residents alike, as the town goes through unprecedented change.”
For more information please visit the competition website via croydon.gov press releases: News release No. PR 11332 Date: 09 March 2017 COUNCIL TO LAUNCH INTERACTIVE TECH DESIGN COMPETITION WITH ARCHITECTS’ JOURNAL
The winning scheme and shortlisted proposals will appear online and in the AJ magazine in July.
The shortlisted teams will be paid an honorarium of £2,000. The competition is free to enter
For more information about the competition contact Suzanne Flanner on 0203 033 4241 or email [email protected] (Source: Croydon council press release)
ADVICE PORTAL FOR CROYDON’S 13 TO 19 AGE GROUP GETS ‘MAKEOVER’
Young people in Croydon will now find it easier to access important information for them to make safe and informed decisions about their health and well-being.
www.gettingiton.org.uk – a website for young people aged 13 – 19 years – has been given a makeover to better support those living in South West London with essential life skills and the knowledge they need relating to mental health, physical well-being, healthy sexual relationships and substance misuse.
“The vibrant redesign of the Getting It On website and Facebook page aims to grab the attention of more teenagers living in Croydon, Wandsworth, Kingston, Richmond, Sutton and Merton” a Croydon council spokeswoman added.
“The aim of the website is to provide them with the skills they need to be resilient and make confident decisions about their lifestyles and to be aware of any potential risks to their well-being.
“The website offers free and confidential help and includes details about staying safe online, as well as signposts to appropriate support services and drop-in clinics across south-west London.
“Getting It On is a collaboration of the six boroughs working together to support young people to be physically and emotionally healthy as they grow up.
“Posters will also be on local buses to promote the website widely across each borough.”
Cllr Louisa Woodley, Croydon’s cabinet member for families health and social care, said: “Getting It On is south-west London’s online one-stop shop to help young people navigate some of life’s ups and downs during their teenage years.
“At this time in their life they can often feel overwhelmed with a range of issues affecting them, such as their body image, fashion trends, exams and being bullied. “It’s really important for them to know who to turn to for the most appropriate and up-to-date information for their age group.
“We have joined-up resources across south-west London to ensure that this information is consistent and current for all our youngsters.
“This approach also means that we can simplify structures and provide a range of accessible services that support children and young people to make healthier and confident choices as they approach adulthood.”
The site was designed by The Creative Team, who also involved young people in the development stages.
Belinda Houghton, account manager at The Creative Team, said: “We have worked closely with the six London boroughs for over eight years now on the Getting It On website.
“In this latest redesign, we have really tried to create a website that is informative, dynamic and appealing to young people, and the perfect place for local services to showcase what they offer in an easy-to-use way.” (Source: Croydon council press release)