Last month, StudiO founder Oliver Westgarth made a special appearance at Elizabeth College Junior School. He was invited to give a presentation as part of an architecture-themed assembly, arranged by prefects at the school, which also served as a prize-giving ceremony for a LEGO competition.

Oliver introduced his attentive and enthusiastic audience to architectural monuments and buildings around the world. His aim was to highlight the significance of architecture at every level, from the personal and artistic to the communal and political.

Oliver also talked about his dyslexia, highlighting the fact that people with dyslexia are often good at thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions – traits that serve architects and designers well.

The assembly was featured in the 12th February edition of the Guernsey Press. In the article, Oliver was quoted describing one of his own profound experiences of architecture: “When I walked into the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, I had tears in my eyes. It’s such a magnificent building.”

The ECJS pupils made a fantastic crowd, and Oliver enjoyed himself thoroughly. Learning Support Assistant Marianna Pliakou reported that the event had been a roaring success – particularly for pupils with dyslexia, who left the hall feeling especially inspired.

“Oliver was brilliant!” Marianna said. “It was great for us to have the expertise of Oliver and of all your StudiO projects. An assembly to remember!”

All images courtesy of Marianna Pliakou and used with permission.