MAKING SCALE Symposium Summary – Venice Biennale 2023

On June 29th we arrived at the Venice Biennale along with a group of MSA students, graduates and practicing professionals to present MAKING SCALE Symposium.

The event began with an introduction from Dr Matthew Wells about the longstanding presence of model making in the architectural field. Following on, Myself and Matt Ault presented our new research project aimed at creating a clearer path for architecture graduates wanting to make use of their model making skills in professional practice.

To help illustrate our points about the wide array of practice and making types our two guest speakers were brought together for an up to date insight into their work.

We began with Peter Lee, Associate at HENN, Berlin who gave a wide ranging explanation of the practice and the various ways model making in integrated and relates directly to his work. This was followed by a pre-recorded presentation by Takeshi Hayatsu, Director of Hayatsu Architects, London. Takeshi gave us an insight into how, as a child, making models influenced his interest in construction and design eventually leading to his work as an architect and the continued use of models as a means of thinking in his work.

Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances Takeshi was unable to join us on the day and conducted his presentation remotely. This didn’t detract for the fantastic content presented by both parties which gave two distinctively varied views on the application of modelmaking in architectural practice today.

The presentations were closed with a Q & A discussion where we were joined remotely by Takeshi. The full recoded event will be made available in the coming weeks here on our blog so please look out for that. In the meantime please see the short summary video below outlining the day in brief.

Thank you to all who supported and attended the event. We appreciate everyones participation and continued interest in this subject that drives us year on year here at B.15 and MSA.

B.15 and Collaborators

B.15 Summer 2023 Opening Times

Hi All,

The workshop is again undergoing building works this summer to help us improve our space for you. Unfortunately this does mean there will be some restricted areas whilst this work takes place. The main B.15 space will not be accessible until September due to the main building works taking place there.

We have relocated a laser cutter and the majority of small equipment to the B.12 space which will be accessible to those courses that are still running throughout July, August and September. We do however also need a break! As such we ask that you email us all ahead to check when we will be around to allow access to the space. Get in touch with your requirements and we’ll let you know what your options are for that week.

scott.miller@manchester.ac.uk

Lara.gerrard@manchester.ac.uk

sarah.carroll@manchester.ac.uk

IMPORTANT! If you are attending the B.12 space please access it via the disabled access route in the corridor to the right at the bottom of the stairs. The main workshop corridor is a building site so do not attempt to access the room that way.

We look forward to showing you all the new changes later in the year when the fun starts again!

B.15 Team