Forestry Commission exhibits MMU student work

A design project by 190 Manchester School of Architecture students has culminated in an exhibition at new education and community building The Yan in Cumbria.

Second year BA (Hons) Architecture students were tasked by the Forestry Commission to design a multi-purpose building in Grizedale Forest that both suited its surroundings and augmented existing site facilities.

As part of their research students undertook site visits to Grizedale Forest, attended workshops in traditional techniques such as dry-stone walling and timber work and explored the Commission’s public art programme and forest management processes.

Experience gained from real-life projects

From nearly two hundred design ideas seven were selected to be exhibited. Natasha Tariq, 28, is one of the lucky MSA students chosen for the exhibition. She says: “I wanted my building to both integrate with its surroundings and allow people to experience the light, water and beauty of the area when inside the building. My design process began by casting objects I found at the site, many of which created tower-like structures, and that set the scene for the rest of my scheme. Copper is the main material used in my design, enabling the building to disappear into the landscape as it naturally oxidises over time and becomes green.”

Natasha continues: “Our designs for the Grizedale Forest building constantly evolved over the course of the project as we received feedback from both our peers and tutors. I found out over the summer that my work had been chosen for display and it’s brilliant to be amongst the final seven. It’s really interesting to take my designs back to Grizedale Forest, show people what I’ve come up with and see their reactions. One of the great things about MSA is the experience we gain through real-life projects such as this, which helps prepare us for working in industry.”

Future collaboration

Tania Crockett, Recreation Manager for the Forestry Commission in the North West, said: “It is fantastic to see the results of last year’s workshops. The quality of the images on display is hugely complimentary to our new facility.”

Richard Brook, Senior Lecturer at Manchester School of Architecture, said: “Manchester School of Architecture is continuing to develop its relationship with the Forestry Commission and will be running another project in conjunction with them this autumn.”

The exhibition will be held at The Yan until 30th October 2009. Viewing is by appointment only and free of charge.