About the B.15 Modelmaking Workshop

The B.15 Workshop (Part of the School of Environment Education and Development or SEED at UoM) caters for students from the Manchester School of Architecture (MSA) – a shared school across the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

We offer facilities and advice for the production of scale development and presentation models for use in student projects. The workshop offers state of the art digital fabrication technology alongside core traditional manufacturing techniques.

Our aim is to continually develop our workshop to remain in line with industry standards whilst equipping our students with a good understanding of contemporary and traditional approaches to modelmaking.

As well as our main function toward MSA we offer consultancy work and are regularly involved in Architecture related projects across campus and externally.

Short History of B.15

The workshop in its current location has been providing modelmaking advice and facilities to Architecture, Planning and Landscape students since its completion in 1970. Whilst technology has evolved since then, the workshop has always played a key role in the study of Architecture at Manchester. Originally part of the University of Manchester, the school merged with Manchester Metropolitan University Architecture Course in 1996 to form MSA. Find out more in this documentary short produced for the workshops 45th Anniversary.

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) workshop is located in the basement room B.15 of the Humanities building off Bridgeford Street on the University of Manchester Oxford Road campus.

Contact

Address:

B.15 Modelmaking Workshop
Humanities Bridgeford Street
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M139PL

Telephone: Office: 0161 275 6876 or Workshop: 0161 275 6853

Please note that due to the nature of our role we are often away from the desk to answer phone calls so leave a message and we will try to get back to you. Urgent contact can be made through the university switchboard directly to our workshop but we recommend either of the following e-mail addresses.

Staff Email addresses: Scott.Miller@manchester.ac.uk / lara.gerrard@manchester.ac.uk / paulina.voang@manchester.ac.uk / ken.chan@manchester.ac.uk

Please note that CAD related bookings can only be made in person although you are welcome to get in touch about machine availability or with and other questions.

Opening Times

Refer to the up to date opening times page for this years calendar.

For any further information about the workshop rules and regulations refer to the General Users Guide .

 

Recent Posts

Announcing AiM: The Architects Index of Modelmaking Exhibition Launch, Venice, May-November 2025

 

We’re very pleased to announce both our long-term index project and, to mark the occasion, an exhibition on its themes that will take place from May 10th – November 23rd at the European Cultural Centre throughout the 19th Venice Architecture Biennale.


What is AiM?

A global platform for architects, students & modelmakers. Celebrating process, experimentation and the craft of making in professional architectural practice.

The AiM Manifesto

  • Process over perfection
  • Show how its made
  • Learn by making
  • Celebrate the importance of the unknowns discovered through physical creativity
  • Shine a light on the often-overlooked value of making in architectural practice
  • Collaborate, connect and grow

Why AiM?

In a digital world, physical models exist merely as an object on screen. An image, video or digital copy. This overlooks an irreplaceable connection between the maker and the object and, the intrigue that follows for others. The experience of making can tell deeper, practical and questioning stories, reveal ideas and spark innovation.

We’re building a space that honours that craft.

Our Ambition

To build an open evolving index of global architectural modelmaking practice & professional practices. A living archive for experimentation, learning and leadership. A platform for students, Architects and Practicing Studios to see how and where they can make in practice.

All are welcome!


Join the index!

We’re looking for Architectural practitioners and offices. Share your models, Showcase your process. Join the conversation.

E-mail aim@the-aim.co.uk to get in touch and be added to our mailing list for updates. In the near future we will launch the full index site with links to complete our survey and allow the index contents to grow as more companies get on board. Follow us on Instagram @aimodelmaking for other updates.

The Exhibition

The AiM exhibition taking place at the European Cultural Centre’s Palazzo Bembo during the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025 will present a sample of the index through practice contributors. The work of 15 practices and professionals will be shown alongside video content at the ECC’s Time Space Existence exhibition.

The exhibition is free to attend and opens 6 Days a week (Closed Tuesdays) and runs from May 10th-November 23rd 2025.


The Event

We’ll be hosting a panel event over the weekend of 28/29th June at Biennale sessions and the ECC. MSA students will be able to join and secure free 3-day passes to access all Biennale sites.

More on this and how students can sign up to be announced very soon.


We look forward to building this resource up over the coming years with your help.

Thanks for everyone who has supported our efforts thus far. We hope to hear from you and see you in Venice in late June.

Scott & Team

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