Behind the scenes at the Royal Festival Hall

Pupils from Highbury Fields School in north London explored the design of public buildings during a How Places Work visit to the Royal Festival Hall.

Pupils from Highbury Fields School in north London have been learning about the design of public buildings during a How Places Work visit to the Royal Festival Hall (on Friday 29 February).

Diane Haigh, CABE's director of architecture and design review, and Simon Fraser, director at Allies and Morrison, took the year seven pupils on a tour around the building, encouraging them to think about the way places and spaces are designed. Allies and Morrison were responsible for the refurbishment of the Royal Festival Hall between 2005 and 2007. The pupils were given a thorough tour of the building - including an exclusive opportunity to go in the ceremonial box and behind the scenes.

The tour was organised by the Architecture Foundation as part of CABE's national How Places Work programme which is run in partnership with the Architecture Centre Network. The programme aims to inspire young people to understand the importance of good design in buildings and places through first-hand experience of great contemporary architecture and public spaces. CABE's network of 'inspirers' - gifted men and women with a deep knowledge of buildings and spaces - introduce thousands of young people to the places that they have a particular passion for, revealing how they came to be designed the way they are and what makes them special.