Architecture and Architectural Technology Students work with St Michael's House on an innovative toy project

Lecturers: Patrick Flynn, Cathy Prunty

This interdisciplinary project involves 1st year BSc Architectural Technology Degree (DT105) students and 2nd year B Arch in Architecture students (DT101) designing and constructing timber learning toys for children with special needs in St Michael’s House. St. Michael’s House is one of Ireland’s largest providers of services to children and adults with an intellectual disability and their families in the Dublin area.

What do students get from it?

The students develop a broader awareness of St Michael’s House and children with disabilities as they engage with designing and building toys for small children with special needs. This awareness also extends to the practical and safety issues involved in producing such a toy.

Since 2nd year architecture students design the prototype toys, and the winning design is made by the 1st year technology students this project also provides students with an opportunity to develop a range of transferable professional skills in order to work with each other. The students must also explain the completed designs to the special needs teachers of St Michael’s House. The teachers then assess and select the most appropriate toys and a prize is awarded at the annual Architectural Technology Prize Day for the best design and the best made toy.

What does the community get from it?

St Michael’s House benefits from the publicity generated by this project among DIT students. This may be the first time DIT students hear about St Michael’s House and work that it does for people with intellectual disabilities and their families in Dublin. St Michael’s House also receive the toys that are developed, which are distributed among its clients on conclusion of the end of year examinations.

Community Partner:

St Michael's House