Award celebrates urban design and planning with local communities
Newcastle University colleagues and community partners were recognised for their commitment to advancing participation and design with children and young people.
26 January 2026
The Thornton Education Trust Inspire Future Generations Awards (IFGA) is an annual competition. It recognises projects that demonstrate excellence, creativity, care, and a genuine commitment to engaging young people in shaping the spaces around them.
NUAcT Fellow, Dr Julia Heslop and Research Associate, Dr Jordan Mullard were part of an interdisciplinary team, which included:
- community organisation Dwellbeing Shieldfield
- architects HarperPerry and,
- Newcastle City Council
The team’s award was presented at Crypt on the Green in London on 15 January 2026. It recognised a community-based approach to planning, developed through close collaboration with young people living on the Shieldfield estate in Newcastle.
Engaging the community through architectural practice
The project was community led and focused on creating a long-term strategy for Shieldfield, an inner urban neighbourhood in the city. It was delivered in three phases:
- research and scoping
- strategic plan making, and
- implementation - culminating in the design of physical improvements to a central green space to make it more inclusive and welcoming for the local community.
Judges said:
‘It stood out for its clear focus and far-reaching impact, achieved through a robust partnership model. By bringing together a triangulation of engagement - apprenticeships, local authorities, and different institutions - they not only secured vital funding but created a comprehensive, interconnected approach that maximises their effect across the board’.
Congratulations to the team!