Podcast

Intro

Welcome to the Mayflower Podcast, where we explore inspiring stories and ideas that shape our world. Today, we’re thrilled to have guests from MATT+FIONA, an award-winning social enterprise that believes young people should have a say in how their environments are designed and built.

Founded in 2016 by architect Matthew Springett and educator Fiona MacDonald, MATT+FIONA has collaborated with over 4,500 young people across the UK, enabling them to design and construct real-world projects—from community gardens to performance spaces. Their approach combines three key strands: BUILD, LEARN, and CONNECT, ensuring that young voices are at the heart of architectural and urban development. we also welcome Eve - it is just wonderful to have a chance to chat with you all. 

Let’s dive into the conversation and discover how MATT+FIONA is transforming the way we think about design, education, and youth empowerment.

---

Q1. Origins and Mission:

Hi there. It has been amazing to see your work happening at Mayflower. What a buzz you have brought typo our school! Now we have got to work with you - can you share how MATT+FIONA started and what inspired its mission to involve young people in shaping their environments?

Q2. BUILD Projects:

Your BUILD projects are central to your work. Could you describe how these projects empower young people to take the lead in design and construction?

Q3. LEARN Initiatives:

We love how you have partnered together as an architect and educator and then built a team of super-clever and creative people - all of whom have special powers for design and making. As part of this, it is clear that education plays a significant role in your approach. How does the LEARN strand support teachers and students in understanding and influencing the built environment?

Q4. CONNECT Collaborations:

CONNECT focuses on bringing young voices into broader conversations. How do you engage with local authorities and developers to ensure youth perspectives are considered?

Q5. Notable Projects:

Could you highlight a project that particularly exemplifies MATT+FIONA’s impact, perhaps ‘The Meanwhile Garden’ or ‘Building a New World’?

Q6. Challenges and Solutions:

What challenges have you faced in integrating young people into architectural projects, and how have you addressed them?

Q7. Impact on Participants:

How have participants responded to being part of these projects? Have you seen lasting effects on their confidence or career aspirations?

Q8. Community Engagement:

In what ways do your projects influence the wider community, beyond the immediate participants?

Q9. Future Plans:

What upcoming projects or goals does MATT+FIONA have? How can schools like Mayflower get involved?

Q10. Advice for Aspiring Designers:

What advice would you give to young people interested in design, architecture, or making a difference in their communities?

---

Outro

Thank you to our guests from MATT+FIONA for sharing their inspiring work and insights and for choosing Mayflower to work with. This has been one of the school's most special moments and a dream come true for Mr. Sammels. He is still smiling now. You have left us with the tools and inspiration to go on and make design go even further and our school looks amazing with our legacy project front of house.

It’s empowering to know that young people can actively shape the spaces they live in, learn in, and play in.

For more information about MATT+FIONA and how to get involved, visit their website at mattandfiona.org. Remember, your ideas and voices matter in building the future and maybe one day we could become part of a bigger design project across more schools, because remember, 'Together we can...'

Until next time, keep imagining and creating!”