The Design Future London challenge encompasses the many ways young Londoners can be inspired to make their city one where everyone thrives. The challenge invites students to not only learn about green careers in the built environment but understand how the built environment impacts our daily lives now and in the future. This city-wide challenge is open for students aged 11–24+ to present their ideas to revitalise Croydon Town Centre, an area designated as an ‘Opportunity Area’ in London.
Students’ designs will consider the design challenge:
“How can we reimagine Croydon town centre to make it a greener, safer and a more prosperous place for everyone?"
Both primary and secondary school students have been given the chance to use Minecraft to build their solutions. In a blocky version of London created by the Minecraft world-building experts at Lifeboat Network, students will encounter characters with knowledge on creating high streets that work for all, building homes for Londoners, sustainable transport, green energy, and community spaces.
What does the Design Future London Challenge look like in Minecraft Education?
By incorporating the Minecraft challenge as part of the Design Future London launch, students will be digitally immersed in London, providing a concrete way (pun intended) for students to fully experience London’s built environment. While building solutions, students experience the diverse roles of built environment professionals: architects, designers, city planners, construction managers, builders, project management, and engineers. Engaging young people in a fun way will play a unique role in shaping the future of the built environment and help to cultivate the next generation of skilled professionals in this field.
Students will spawn at the Tower of London and be greeted by Mayor Sadiq Khan. He will give a welcome message to the challenge and emphasise the importance for young people to feel inspired to make a positive change for their city.
Students are then transported to London City Hall, where they will meet Deputy Mayor, Jules Pipe, Chief Planner for London, Lucinda Turner, and C40 Executive Director, Mark Watts, to learn about London’s priorities in becoming a sustainable city.
After learning about the pillars of the strategy, students will be transported by Minecraft to Croydon Town Centre. Lucinda will ask students to talk with workers, residents, and visitors in the surrounding area to learn more about Croydon’s needs and opportunities. While they speak with these NPCs [Non-Player Characters], they will start to brainstorm solutions and ideas to transform Croydon into a place where all Londoners can thrive and nobody is left behind.