The Sandcastle Challenge encourages creativity

The RIBA and Children North East organise the Sandcastle Challenge every year. Architects across the North East give up their time free of charge to work with local schools in advance of the event to construct their designs, as well as on the day.

This year more than 1,500 youngsters from primary schools across the North East made the most of the sunshine and descended on the beach in South Shields. Over 35 primary schools joined up with local architects to have a great time building sandcastle structures around the theme of "Famous Landmarks”.

Arcus has been working with the Children of St Mary Magdalen RC Primary School, Seaham for several weeks to assist them plan and prepare their designs in readiness for the challenge. The school opted for local famous landmarks that included Durham Cathedral, the Stadium of Light and the Angel of the North.

Bobby Chakravarthy, Associate Partner and Head of the practice’s Architecture Department comments: “The Sandcastle Challenge has once again been a fun event for everyone. It remains important for us to get involved with the local community and to raise awareness of design and architecture amongst its younger members.”

This year's challenge aims to raise at least £15,000 for Children North East, where the money will be used to support community-based projects around the region.