Andy Linaker led a group of Architect students on a site tour of the Manchester Metropolitan University’s John Dalton Building, LIP 1st Floor project. The programme is currently mid-way through, and the tour offered students a practical understanding of how architectural drawings are translated from concept to completion, demonstrating the relationship between design intent and the finished built environment.

During the tour, Andy explained the challenges of working within existing structures, where careful management of interfaces between new and retained elements is essential. Andy explained how the works are sequenced during refurbishment for efficient delivery, whilst identifying and discussing various elements completed in the early stages of the build in accordance with agreed designs and specifications. Conversations then progressed on to explaining the remaining activity required to transform the space into the finished product.

As current MMU students, they had the unique opportunity to see the upgrades taking place on their own campus, a space they will ultimately benefit from and use once the project is complete.