Steve scales the design heights

University of Teesside design graduate Steve Wigley has an alternative vision for a Middlesbrough church. The BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design graduate has focused on St. John the Evangelist Church on Marton Road, Middlesbrough, and his designs have transformed the building into a climbing and education centre.

Steve, 21, is originally from Winnersh, near Reading and joined the climbing club straight after enrolling at the Middlesbrough-based University. He was also chairman of the club for two years and said: “I love being outdoors and experiencing heights, in Middlesbrough the Cleveland Hills are only 20 minutes away. I’ve also climbed in the Dolomites in Italy, they were fantastic.”

As part of his final-year project, Steve had to find a new purpose for an existing building, and chose the Middlesbrough church as a venue for his favourite sport. He added: “The church’s interior has huge potential to become a climbing centre. In addition to the climbing wall there could be an education centre for training climbers, including the disabled and to promote youth projects. There would also be room for changing areas and a café. I’m really pleased with my final designs, being able to incorporate my sport into the final project was a real bonus.”

Steve wants to work as a climbing instructor before starting a career in design. He came to Teesside after achieving a BTEC National Diploma in 3D Design at Reading College, School of Art and Design. He said: “I’ve always loved Art and Design since Primary School. I first became interested in Interior Design during the Diploma, which had an interior element. I liked calculating what could be fitted into spaces. I’ve enjoyed my time at Teesside, both socially and academically. Middlesbrough’s an up-and-coming town for students, and I liked the University’s one-site, open campus.”

Steve is a former pupil of The Forest School, Winnersh.

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