Architectural Modelmaking, Design Development, Bespoke Design & Construction. Part of The University of Manchester (SEED School of Environment, Education and Development) Part of the Manchester School of Architecture
We’re very pleased to announce we are returning to the Venice Architecture Biennale to fly the flag for architectural modelmaking this June.
MAKING SCALE, a B.15 symposium, will explore the value of physical models in the design process at urban and building scales. The interpretative use of materials as experimental representations can play a multitude of roles within the field of architectural design. To model junctions between building and site, built form and space, structure and enclosure, ensures that the act of making in the model workshop is an effective laboratory of future architecture. Speakers will present and discuss the conceptual potential of different scales to curate how the built environment is made and viewed in relation to innovative global practice.
Where?
The sessions event will take place at the 18th International Venice Architecture Biennale. The exhibition is held across multiple sites in Venice which host some 89 international participants.
When?
Thursday June 29th confirmed! Time and exact Biennale location TBC
Who?
Speakers will be announced in the coming weeks. Keep checking here or on our social media channels for updates!
Can I join?
Yes we’d love to see you there! Tickets for to the MAKING SCALE symposium will include a 3-day pass to the Biennale across all sites for MSA students. Tickets will be issued in person in Venice the event date. We’re working to confirm this ASAP!
If you’re not an MSA student but wish to join you can, just get in touch and we’ll explain how.
Sign up NOW!
If you are interested in joining us to experience the biggest architectural showcase of 2023 please get in touch via email and we’ll forward you further details to secure your ticket – lara.gerrard@manchester.ac.uk
Huge thanks to The University of Manchester School of Environment Education and Development Social Responsibility Fund and The University of Manchester Student Experience Funding for supporting the project.
From Tuesday 25th April we’ll be open for additional hours for 3 nights a week. You must sign up to attend these additional hours. The building will be locked from 18.00 each day so you need to be in by then.
Please sign up via the link sent out on Moodle if you wish to attend and remember to remove your name if you no longer wish to attend as soon as you make that decision so others can use the space.
Late opening will cover the following dates with more added if demand is high.
We now have a new 3D Printer located in B.12 to work alongside our existing high-end 3D printers: The Ultimaker S7. Our new printer is the latest Ultimaker machine using fused filament fabrication (FFF) and a dual extrusion print head.
The build area is 330 x 240 x 300m and requires a digital file in STL format. Primarily we will be using this machine to support 3D printing in PLA and Tough PLA plastics.
Colours currently available include white, grey, black, silver & transparent. Support materials include breakaway and PVA which is water soluble meaning more complex geometries and internal details can be printed.
We’re pleased to announce the book launch event for ‘Modelling the Metropolis: The Architectural Model in Victorian London’ by Dr. Matthew Wells.
Architectural models made nineteenth-century London. As the city grew it became the global centre of finance, industrial capitalism, and the British Empire. New buildings, urban spaces, and networks of infrastructure were demanded, constructed, and rebuilt. Models were a crucial medium of communication that enabled architects, politicians, and the wider public to conceive the city’s expansion of buildings and spaces.
Based on extensive research in archives, museums, and period publications, Modelling the Metropolis addresses not just architectural models but also an eclectic range of images and objects – from technical products to sculptures, diagrams to engravings, maps to photographs – that dramatize the politics and aesthetics of Victorian London.
During the upcoming Easter break the workshop will be open as follows:
Monday 3rd April – Open as normal
Tuesday 4th April – Open as normal
Wednesday 5th April – Open as normal
Thursday 6th April – Open as normal
Friday 7th April – CLOSED – BANK HOLIDAY
Monday 10th April – Friday 14th April – CLOSED
Monday 17th April – Open as normal
Tuesday 18th April – Open as normal
Wednesday 19th April – Open as normal
Thursday 20th April – Open as normal
Friday 21st April – Open as normal
Late opening hours around the same period are currently being discussed and will be confirmed in the next couple of weeks. Look out for a moodle post confirming details of these dates.
Bank Holidays
There are three national Bank holidays in May. The workshop is closed on these days. The dates are Mondays May 1st, 8th and 29th.
Building works – June onwards
Due to building projects taking place in B.15 this summer the main workshop will be closed to access from Mid-June. The exact date for this is not yet confirmed as the project managers await contractors. Some equipment will be moved to B.12 in this time to allow a reduced service for those MA courses still active during the summer months.
Just a quick update about opening hours in the coming weeks. In general we’re open the same standard hours 9.30-13.00 (Lunch break 13.00-14.00) 14.00-16.30 Monday to Friday. The following days however we’ll be closed or open half day for various reasons:
Tuesday 24th January – Closed in the morning, Open from 14.00 as normal.
Friday 27th January – Open as normal in the morning, Closed from 13.00.
Wednesday 1st February – Open as normal in the morning, Closed from 13.00.
Welcome to all new and returning students as we begin another academic year. We’ve been very busy throughout the summer months putting into effect many months of planning to improve your modelmaking resource.
When are we open?
Before explaining those updates we’ve had a few of you eager to get started so please note the following dates over the next few weeks are closed all day for new starter inductions:
Wednesday 5th October
MArch Session 1
Thursday 6th October
MA Architecture + Adaptive Reuse
MA Landscape Y1
Friday 7th October
MA Architecture and Urbanism Session 1
Monday 10th October
BA1 (Full cohort)
Tuesday 11th October
BA3 Catch-up from 15.00
Wednesday 12th October
MArch Session 2
Thursday 13th October
MA Landscape Y2
BA3 Catch-up
CATCH-UP UPDATES BELOW (Workshop Closed to General Access)
Friday 21st October
MArch Catch-up (Morning only)
Monday 24th October
BA2 Catch-up (Morning only)
Monday 7th November
MA A+U Catch up (Morning)
BA1 Catch up (Afternoon)
After this point there will be a few other catch-up days TBC but generally speaking we’ll be open as normal 9.30-13.00 14.00-16.30 Monday to Friday during term time from Friday 14th October.
So what’s new?
Upgraded CNC router
We were able to upgrade and replace our ageing CNC machine with a new Isel M40 Overhead CNC router complete with automated tool changer for quicker job times.
This machine can be used in the production of 2D profile components and 3D models workable in 3 axis such as landscaping or organic extruded forms. The exact spec for file formatting and preparation work required will be outlined in an upcoming guide. Should you wish to discuss a project that might require the use of this machine drop in a speak to a member of B.15 staff.
Getting this in the building and in place was a task and a half that would not have been possible without the technicians at the Manchester Museum who supported with their time and equipment for a day and a half.
MORE SPACE!
We now have an additional space increasing our capacity to allow an up to an additional 15 students to work in that area. Located on the opposite side of the basement, room B.12 will serve as a dedicated space for the following resources. You’ll see signage for this space and if you’re being inducted, will be shown around. Please don’t go to this room without discussing your project with a member of staff in B.15 first as it will only be opened as required.
Building work in progress
B.12 annex – the new B.15 Workshop expansion
MAKE MORE MODELS
New desk space and Spraying Booth
Moulding and Casting
Due to popular demand we now have a dedicated space for moulding and casting. This is equipped with a permanent working and storage spaces and a new fume cabinet allowing us to offer the new option of working with casting resins.
3D Printers
In addition to this our 3 types of high-end 3D printer are now located alongside each other with a range of material types and colours listed in the updated materials list.All printers are available for use via a conversation with a member of B.15 staff.
Cricut Paper plotter
Replacing the Graphtec plotter which was primarily used for Papermetrics projects we have now invested in a Cricut machine which will be located in the new workshop space. Formatting instructions will be added to the CAD file prep page for reference.
Photographic Studio
We have invested in a newly fitted out photographic studio. The space features overhead gantry and free standing controllable lighting with 3 colour backdrops. This area is available for use on request and will only require booking for busy periods.
Inductions
For new starters, your tutors will inform you about your upcoming induction schedule. As part of your inductions you’ll be asked to familiarise yourself with the B.15 General users guide. You can find the updated one here if you want to get ahead with this.Please try and get to us on time to help keep things to schedule and speed you along to start making with us.
With the main studios being moved to Manchester Technology Centre we thought it worth giving you some pointers to find us if you are unfamiliar. You can watch our brief intro here:
And with that we look forward to seeing you at you induction time or for those returning students, when you wish to begin your new projects with us.
Congratulations to this years B.15 Modelmaking Award winners. As ususal the judges had a hard time choosing from the submissions across all groups and were highly impressed by the quality and creativity of the projects on show. Well done to everyone who took part!
Thanks to all who have submitted to this years modelmaking awards! We received a huge 65 submissions across all year groups. This has been reviewed by our collaborators at HENN and a highly commended shortlist of 14 has been selected and informed.
This process is always very difficult and often hard to call one way or another. As far as we’re concerned all models are fantastic so all students should be proud to have engaged with this process and sometimes challenging craft.
We’re very pleased to announce we are returning to the Venice Architecture Biennale to fly the flag for architectural modelmaking this June.
