Students are earning their replica stripes

Apr 4 2008 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A GROUP of North East construction students have built on their experience by reproducing some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks.

Students from Northumbria University are currently completing a week-long course in King’s Lynn which has seen them build small-scale replicas of the magnificent canopy roof of Naples Airport underground station, Sheffield’s Millennium Galleries and the Swiss Re building in London, commonly known as The Gherkin.

Not only were the 70 students given the task of building the replicas, but they also had to consider elements such as planning, health and safety and labour – taking the project from a bare site, through to fully completed scaled-down buildings. The project is part of the Constructionarium scheme, which is run by a group of UK universities to fill the skills shortage in the industry.

Jonathan Pepper, 22, from Gosforth in Newcastle worked on the replica of the Gherkin. He said: “The challenge has been a great opportunity for us to experience the full breadth of a construction project and to build a scaled-down version of a fantastic iconic structure.”

John Matthews, regional business development manager at Surrey-based GB Building Solutions, which is one of the scheme sponsors, said: “Projects such as these really add to the quality of the graduates entering the construction industry.”