Anna Gidman
Q1: What is your role at Manchester School of Architecture?
I am the programme lead for the BA (Hons) Architecture course.
Q2: What is your academic background?
I studied A level Art, Maths, Physics and General Studies then I did Art Foundation for a year before studying Architecture at the University of Sheffield. I then moved to London for work and became a registered architect in 2002!
Q3: How long have you worked at MSA?
I have been here for just over two years. Before that I was Second Year Lead at the University of Liverpool.
Q4: What would you say the top 3 things about your course are?
People - the school is a really friendly place for staff and students, it can feel like a family. There is an really active student society that organise lots of events which I am always impressed with.
Ateliers – at university it can take a while to get used to staff being guides and that you choose the path that interests you. We are here to support your ideas. In 3rd year you will work in one of the ateliers which are connected to staff research interests. This is great for debating ideas about architecture and the world we live in.
B.15 – Scott runs our world famous B.15 model making workshop where you can learn how to make architecture models. At the end of year show we have awards including a few for best models which is always exciting.
Q3: What is your favourite thing about Manchester?
It’s a very friendly city, with a lot going on. It’s similar to London but it’s smaller so you can get around quickly and it’s easy to cycle because it’s flat. There is a lot of culture including music, sport, festivals, art and theatre in all sorts of venues around the city, from a tiny bar in old underground toilets, to the Warehouse Project or Factory International.
Q6: What is one piece of advice you would give to a future student at MSA?
We want you to be yourself so follow your own interests rather than try to fit in. Go to all the extra events and activities to discover your friends and interests, and maybe even join a society or create your own event. For maximum happiness do a bit of work every day. You can’t save it up and blitz it at the weekend, design doesn’t work like that, plus it’s nice to do other things at the weekend for inspiration and fun.
Matthew Wells
Q1: What is your role at Manchester School of Architecture?
I’m the Admissions Tutor for undergraduate studies at MSA – you may have met me at one of our open days.
Q2: What is your academic background?
I studied architecture at a few universities in the UK and practiced for a while before dedicating myself to research, completing my PhD in the History of Design Programme at the Royal College of Art.
Q3: How long have you worked at MSA?
I joined MSA from ETH Zurich in January 2022.
Q4: What would you say the top 3 things about your course are?
- Students are empowered to follow their interests, whether that be around designing particular types of buildings or specific communities; focusing on material and environmental issues; or addressing theoretical and political concerns.
- Every module, every week, every session is designed to help students focus on a particular question or context. We work really hard to make space and time for students to explore and creatively respond to the world around us.
- MSA is a unique institution in how it brings together prize-winning academics and fully qualified architects, urbanists and landscape architects. No other school of architecture in the UK is able to combine expertise like we do at MSA.
Q3: What is your favourite thing about Manchester?
I probably shouldn’t say the clothes shops in the Northern Quarter… so I think I’d go for the Whitworth Gallery – it’s part of the university, has ambitious and progressive exhibitions, and the café is a great spot to work or catch up with friends.
Q6: What is one piece of advice you would give to a future student at MSA?
You can never be too good at sketching, but try to start observing the world around you. How high from the floor is a chair? How wide is a corridor? What makes a comfortable space? Does this change at different times of the year?
Going to university will change your life, but as architects we still need to be a part of society – reflecting on how we live now is a great first step.
Emily Crompton
Q1: What is your role at Manchester School of Architecture?
I am the year lead for Foundation year in the BA (Hons) Architecture with Foundation course.
Q2: What is your academic background?
I studied A-levels before university, my subjects were 3D Design, Maths and English Language, I also did AS levels in Critical Art Studies and Geography. I studied Architecture at Manchester School of Architecture for both my undergraduate and post-graduate qualifications. I became a registered architect in 2014.
Q3: How long have you worked at MSA?
I have taught at the MSA since 2011, when I worked one day a week as a tutor in first year, as well as working in practice as an architect before becoming a full time member of staff at MSA in 2017, taking on the year leadership of BA1. I now lead the Foundation course and coordinate the MSA LIVE programme – which you will get involved in throughout your course.
Q4: What would you say the top 3 things about your course are?
The students – they always surprise me with their creative and exciting design ideas, challenging how I see the world, and what architecture can and should be – even in that first Foundation year!
The staff – their dedication to create interesting and engaging briefs and projects every year, as well as their tailored approaches to each individual student is fantastic to see in evidence week in, week out at MSA, especially in Foundation and BA1.
The guests – we have a really interesting Foundation programme which involves visits and trips to practices, buildings and construction sites. It is always fascinating hearing from architects and other built environment professionals which gives an up to date view of the discipline and profession. I always learn so much from our guest speakers and visiting tutors.
Q3: What is your favourite thing about Manchester?
The people – I love that the city brings people from all over the UK and world to see gigs, art, for uni and work. It creates a really exciting place to live, study and work. I think Manchester takes a bit of time to get used to, but once you find your people and your spaces – you’ll feel right at home. I moved here from a small village and have never wanted to leave!
Q6: What is one piece of advice you would give to a future student at MSA?
Grab every opportunity that comes your way! There are so many talks, events, networking opportunities, as well as activities run by the amazing MSSA to take advantage of as a student. Attending these activities is a great way of finding out the kind of architect you want to be – and as staff, that’s our biggest goal – we want to support you to become who you are going to be!
Scott Miller
Q1: What is your role at Manchester School of Architecture?
I am manager of the B15 Workshop. The workshop team consists of Lara Gerrard, Sarah Carroll, Paulina Voang, Teagan Dorsch and myself. The team have a mixed background in Modelmaking, Architecture and Design which enables us to offer practical and theoretical advice for student projects. In addition to the subject consultation, team members supervise the safe use of a range of tools, machines and processes across the different work spaces on offer.
Q2: What is the history of the B15 workshop?
B.15 was established in 1970 with the opening of the then 'Architectural and Planning Building' at the University of Manchester. Since that time it has evolved from a traditional woodworking model shop into a multimedia modelmaking resource serving the joint Manchester School of Architecture from when it was formed in 1996. The workshops mix of practical and theoretical support provides an enriching environment and studio culture for students of all courses at MSA. In addition to in-house support, the workshop has maintained a strong external network and often engages in modelmaking related external projects and events to discuss, debate and promote the continued use of physical models in the design process.
Q3: What equipment is there within the B15 workshop?
B.15 has a mix of traditional and contemporary equipment split across two main work spaces. These comprise a range of traditional woodworking machines and equipment including Bandsaws, Sanders, Circular Table Saw and Chop Saws, Hand and power tools. These are coupled with wire cutters for foam cutting, a vacuum former for plastic forming and a spray painting booth for finishing. There is a range of digital manufacturing equipment including Laser Cutters, a CNC router, Paper plotter and a range of 3D printers including a recently acquired Fuse+ 1 Powder printer.
B.12, an annex of B.15 also includes a dedicated moulding and casting space and a photographic studio that students use during and after projects to document process and final outcomes.
Q4: Are there certain models that have been created throughout the years that stick out to you?
In my opinion the best kinds of models are the ones that captivate through their effective communication. A good model doesn't rely on a computer aided manufacture or cost the most money, it combines mixed media effectively to convey design proposals and showcases a range of skills from a student.
Q3: Are there competitions or awards that students can get involved with?
We're in our 10th year of awarding students for their modelmaking work with a practice sponsored scheme. Students of all years are eligible to submit models to be judged by practicing architects and modelmakers. This year representatives from Stanton Williams London and HENN architects Berlin will jointly shortlist and judge the submissions. Overall winners will be announced at the end of year degree show. All of the past shortlisted projects can be viewed on the B15 blog.
Q6: What advice would the team give to a future student?
Be hands-on with testing materials and processes. By being open to testing and not expecting everything to be correct first time you'll learn many more valuable lessons. The act of physical modelmaking is an activity that can help us to learn about the built environment in a much more realistic way than any digital world can offer so we encourage you to embrace and enjoy it!