10 May 2005

Hands-on approach for architecture students

PHOTOCALL: WEDNESDAY MAY 11, 12 NOON, REAR COURTYARD, MATTHEW BUILDING, PERTH ROAD, DUNDEE. (Directions below).

In a daring project, architecture students at the University of Dundee are bringing their drawings to life by actually constructing an environmentally friendly timber frame pavilion to house their own work.

Adopting a hands on approach to learning, the twelve second year students have designed and built the pavilion from scratch - from making the initial drawings to laying the foundations to constructing the walls and finally laying the roof.

The 50-square-metre construction is now ready for the students to move into, and from Wednesday 11 May will house their project work for the end of year assessments.

Environmental awareness is at the heart of the project as course leader Joseph Thurrott explains, "The students will be using timber - one of the few truly renewable resources on the planet - to materialise their designs at full scale. Timber is also a Scottish resource so these architects of the future are being encouraged to use the materials that are on their own doorstep. Once the building has served its use, it will be dismantled and the materials will be recycled for next year's project."

Student, Kenny McNaughton, one of the team who worked on the design and construction of the future house is enthusiastic about the project, "This is the only opportunity I have ever had to actually bring my architectural drawings to life. I believe this practical experience will make me more attractive to employers. Getting hands on in this way will help me become a better and more informed architect."

Scottish timber merchants and construction firms have generously supported the project with materials and resources including Dundee-based Rembrand Timber Ltd., Jewson, White, Milne & Co., SGB Services Ltd., Brown Construction, and James Jones & Sons Ltd from Forres.

Directions to pavilion site: Walking up Perth Road at Duncan of Jordanstone College walk past the Matthew Building and follow the steps up to the right between the Matthew Building and the Mathematics Department. This leads into a rear courtyard where the pavilion is sited.

The map at www.dundee.ac.uk/general/campusmap may prove useful in locating buildings.

By Roddy Isles, Head of Press 01382 344910, out of hours: 07968298585, r.isles@dundee.ac.uk