Minecraft software sees Esports students completing Walsall rebuild project

The Walsall area received a virtual facelift and boosted its green credentials through a technical design activity by Walsall College’s Esports students.

Urban Futures, through Higher Ground Digital led the Level 3 students through an ideation workshop which saw them use 3D environment software to virtually rebuild the town with a bigger focus on sustainable principles and practices.  Their new-look for the town included the introduction of electric vehicle charging stations, wind turbines and new skyscraper buildings with trees and shrubs growing around them.

The activity is part of the Midlands Retail Futures Project which has created a Minecraft-based sandbox of Walsall as an interactive and accessible canvas where people can share their vision and ideas for the future of the town.  It consists of around 4km² of the town, including local places, landmarks and businesses.

The students’ designs are being turned into large-scale prints for their new Esports classrooms.

Lecturer and Advanced Practitioner, Thomas Rea said: “This is the first, employer and industry-led design project that the students have taken on and Duncan and I were hugely impressed with how well they rose to the challenge.

“They were encouraged to identify the key issues impacting on the town’s socio-economic growth and long-term future, providing meaningful solutions to appeal to residents and employers and attract further investment.  Working in small teams, they came up with some excellent ideas that could effectively merge with the town’s rich history and cultural heritage.”

Find out more about Walsall College’s Level 2 and 3 sports courses here.