Ove Arup Foundation

In 2004 The Ove Arup Foundation provided £4,500 to help Bristol's award-winning British Empire & Commonwealth Museum further develop its educational resources in the areas of engineering and the built environment.

The museum was in the process of expanding its existing library resources of publications, reference books, website links, access to academic institutions' resources, and plans and documents relating to important engineering designs around the world. 

In tandem with this, the Museum developed a series of workshops relating to engineering in the former empire and Commonwealth. Aligned primarily with National Curriculum Key Stages 2 & 3, the workshops were aimed at encouraging children and young people to think laterally about the differences and similarities between built environments across the world.  The workshops engaged them in innovative design and technology concepts and stimulated their interest in all aspects of engineering design.

The Foundation's involvement followed its support for the Museum's 2001 display of 'Brunel: Victorian Visionary', the first major exhibition to examine the engineering design of Isambard Kingdom Brunel. 

You can find out more about the Museum and its activities by visiting www.empiremuseum.co.uk.