Architects display 'follies' at Dunham Massey

YOUNG architects have displayed seasonal sculptures in the grounds of the National Trust estate at Dunham Massey.

Undergraduates from the Manchester School of Architecture designed 3-D artworks in the Winter Garden which were erected this weekend and are on display until January 3, 2012.

“We were delighted to be approached by MSA, which led to 180 students visiting the Winter Garden in early October” says Dunham’s visitor experience officer Helen Appleyard.“We worked closely with their Head of Year to come up with a brief - to design an appropriate architectural feature – such as a folly – which would compliment either the Winter Garden or the architecture of Dunham Massey house.

Helen and assistant head gardener Sarah Witts came to MMU to judge the proposals and models and six designs were selected to be built in the garden.

Head of Year 2, Siobhan Barry, said: “This was a fabulous opportunity for our students to work for a such a prestigious client on a live project, and also for the public to see their work and to appreciate the students’ talent and professionalism as they embark upon their architectural career.”

“The outstanding gardens and history of Dunham Massey provided a rich source of inspiration for the students. It has also meant that they had to meet the demanding levels of rigour, taste and technical skill as demonstrated by the National Trust team at

Dunham Massey.”

The sculptures are made of a variety of materials, with a large proportion wood being used.

Manchester School of Architecture is an innovative collaboration between the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University uniting two schools of architecture with over 100 years of educational experience to create one of the largest schools of architecture in the UK. For further information go to http://www.msa.ac.uk/