Students prepare to rebuild world famous buildings

Apr 17 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A GROUP of 70 students from Northumbria University are set to rebuild London’s Gherkin building and two other world famous landmarks as part of a unique training programme.

The undergraduates, who are all studying construction-related degrees at the university’s School of the Built Environment, are taking part in the third annual event in Norfolk, which will provide them with an unusual form of hands-on training.

The students are the only group in the North East to be involved in the event and will build scaled-down versions of three of the world’s most iconic structures; the Swiss Re building, better known as the Gherkin, Sheffield’s Millennium Galleries and the canopy roof of Naples Airport Underground Station.

Working under the supervision of professionals from GB Building Solutions and _space Group, they will be responsible for all aspects of the construction work from planning, costing, programming and health and safety considerations through to labouring.

The replica buildings will prove a tough challenge for the students, especially the canopy roof for Naples Airport Underground Station, which has 46 main radial ribs that spring from the top of the station shaft.

Dr Paul Chan from Northumbria University said: “Constructionarium gives our students the opportunity to experience the entire construction process, with the invaluable support of our industry partners. It means that when our students graduate, they will go on site, not just with an excellent academic background, but also with the necessary practical skills to give them the confidence to take part from day one.”

The students will be taking part in the event between April 26 to May 1 2009 alongside students from universities in Southampton, Leeds, Cambridge, Nottingham and Imperial College, London, and will learn a range of new skills, including how to use Revit, the latest construction software.

Martin Smout, chairman and chief executive of GB Building Solutions, said: “This is the third year we have supported and invested in Constructionarium and we didn’t think that the recession was any reason not to.

“The UK economy is reliant on the construction industry and it is vital we take the time and money now to invest in the people who will be fundamental to our growth tomorrow.”

_space Group chief executive Rob Charlton said: “We are hugely committed to allowing time to invest in developing talent for the future and investing in professionals.

“It is essential now more than ever that students leave university with project management experience, understanding of cost control and hands on experience, and Constructionarium helps them in this.”