July 29 - last presentation

Today we gave our last presentations at Buro Happold. As our meeting wasn't until lunch time the students had time to polish their presentations a bit more in the morning before dressing in business attire and facing a tube ride. The presentations went well and Buro was pleased. What remained of the afternoon was spent working a bit on the final project - My London Experience book. Saturday is the last day here and the last opportunity to gather information for the book, sight see, and enjoy London.
This may be the last post until we arrive back in the US... See you soon.

July 28 - rounding turn 3 - with a view

Today we worked in the Sky Lounge. The groups projects were brought close to completion. A bonus for our location was that we could see the Olympic Park!

July 27 - 1YTG

After leaving Hampton we made our way to Trafalgar Square to be part of the One Year to the 2012 Ceremony. It was special to be there after working on the Olympics these past weeks, and for the professors, years.

July 27 - work, palace...

Work began at 9 but the student had till 1:30 before we had to leave to catch a bus, then a train out to Hampton Palace. The summer palace of Henry VIII. The grounds, gardens, and buildings are beautiful and make for a nice break from the creative work we are doing.

July 26 - Work, Work, Play

Today was a 9 to 5 day. Research and information was culled and sorted, then reevaluated and enhanced or disgarded. The design teams were in a good place by 5. The professors rode bikes to meet with another Chapman Professor who was in town doing research. They enjoyed a pint at the Ol Cheshire Cheese, a pub who's latest remodel was in the 1600's. The professors then met a majority of the students to enjoy the play Billy Elliot.

July 25 - Buro and Design Museum

This morning we left at 9:15 for our 10 am meeting with the engineering firm, Buro Happold. We heard from 3 different engineers who for 2.5 hours gave us an overview of what they have been working on to make the 2012 games the greenest ever. We then left for lunch and the Design Museum. As our day was full the creative work began at about 7 pm with a group brainstorming session.

July 24 - Oxford

Today we left "home" at 9 am to take the tube to a station to buy our tickets for a train to go to Oxford. We arrived in Oxford at noon and split up to explore the town. As you can see it was a beautiful warm day, the first we've really had since being here. The city, the buildings, the history were all amazing - as was the blue sky and the 70+ degree weather. It was so nice.
A highlight for the blogger was to visit the pub where C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolken met for years with other writers/scholars to discuss many things including their work. Having a pint in that pub was a special experience.

July 23 - TATE

On Saturday we took our time leaving "home" and then went to check out a local market, followed by lunch, followed by a visit to the Tate Modern Museum. That evening some of our group went to a play while others went to dinner at the Red Onion.
By all reports the food and the play were great.

July 22 - AECOM/EDAW Presentation

Everyone met in the lobby at 9 am for our tube ride to the client presentation. Having the meeting at 10 was a benefit as the tube was not crowded. Once at our destination we had time to relax in the lobby. Both teams presented and then posed for a picture with Adam. The students did another great job and the client was impressed with how articulate and professional they were.

July 21 - Turn Two

Thursday was a full full day of working and reworking and working some more. The students worked 9 to 5 and then into the night and morning to prepare their presentations. Everyone took a break for dinner, but then was right back at it. The professors worked with them till about 11 pm.

July 20 dinner and work with a view

When we broke for dinner many students and one professor went around the corner (in the rain) to Nando's for some spicy chicken. Some students even had dessert. : )
The work for Friday continued on the 32nd floor overlooking the city lights of London.

July 20 closing on completion

As you can see from the photos the students are getting a bit cheeky while they work. Morning and afternoon were devoted to creating the creative and the presentations for Friday's meeting.

July 19 - continued

In the waning hours of the work day each group presented their progress to the other. Then some of them went out with the professors to the Churchill Arms Pub for good inexpensive Thai food. This is the same pub that Winston Churchill gave wartime speeches from to the Nation of England from 1940-1945. After dinner a leisurely walk ensued through the Neighborhood of Notting Hill towards a lovely restaurant that specializes in dessert. Deanna and the rest of the group were very pleased.