Business School vs Business School

Image Copyright to UofM

The University of Manchester, in collaboration with Bruntwood, have released information on the proposed phased development of what is to become an expanded Business School along the Oxford Road Corridor.

The plans come as MMU's very own new Business School reaches the final stage of construction, with an opening date set for the summer of 2012. The 2 institutions look to promote the importance and growth of Business in Manchester, as the city looks to a service-led developments to act as a backbone to it's economy.

Image Copyright of MMU

The University of Manchester's scheme looks to expand the current Business School, housed in the University Precinct, with a £60million budget for new conference facilities, a four star hotel and an executive education centre for the training programs which the University have for external corporate clients.

Bruntwood is the only name mentioned in the press release, however it appears that BDP are the chosen architect for the scheme. There vast portfolio of educational-orientated work over the past 50 years puts them in a great position to deliver a much needed refresh to the school. However the shift away from student based development perhaps shows where the University of Manchester is looking to expand and grow on a more economical level. The joint venture with Bruntwood highlights the University's desire for commerciality. Bruntwood own a significant share of commercial property in Manchester, and there expansion down the Oxford Road Corridor perhaps signifies a change in the future of Universities in the country, moving towards an entirely privatised outfit of further education in the UK.   

Feilden Clegg And Bradley's Observatory Gets The Green Light

Feilden Clegg and Bradley presence in the north of england has exploded over the past few years. They seem to be first choice for universities, which is unsurprising as Broadcasting Place, which they designed for Leeds Metropolitan University, recently won a regional RIBA award. Other projects in and around Manchester include the new Business School and an extension to Chatham, neighbouring MMU buildings.

News appeared in the month of march about a new visitor centre designed by FCB at the University of Manchester's Jodrell Bank Observatory in Cheshire. The design looks to create a new tourist hotspot in the countryside. Already a world famous observatory, the visitor centre hopes to generate £26 million over the next decade in the area. Initial funding has now been granted by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Northwest European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a further £600,000 has been added by the University Of Manchester. Now that funding is secured work plans to start immediately, and is pencilled in for a 2011 finish.

A relatively minimal design with regards to the complex mechanical radar dishes in the vicinity, but overall a complimenting idea. FCB presence in the UK is becoming a formidable force, a welcoming sight as their quality and fresh designs help to elevate architecture in the country.

all images copyright of Feilden Clegg and Bradley

Fancy Being The Head Of The Manchester School of Architecture?

Manchester Metropolitan University is currently advertising for a new Head of School position. The Manchester School of Architecture is a joint vision by both of Manchester's leading Universities (MMU and UofM). Colin Pugh has temporarily occupied David Dernie’s, the old head of school, position for the past year, but a permanent individual is now required. MMU are looking for a candidate who has vast experience in sustainable urbanism, and a diverse range of management skills, whilst also offering great communication skills to help follow on the tremendously friendly environment currently in the school of architecture.

The job offers a fantastic opportunity over the next few years. As Feilden Clegg Bradley's new School of Art (see previous article) building begins construction, the architecture department will inherit new space, giving it the chance to expand and create a remarkable studio atmosphere. The new Head of School will have a huge chance to bring new ideas for the studio spaces and help make the MSA an even more phenomenal school of architecture.

Interested applicants can contact Mrs Julie Butler, Secretary/PA to the Human Resources Director, The Manchester Metropolitan University, All Saints, Manchester M15 6BH. Tel: 0161 247 1562; j.butler@mmu.ac.uk quoting reference number JB19. Or apply online via http://www.mmu.ac.uk/jobs/ .

Image Copyright to Jack Penford Baker

Architectural Flamboyance #1

The Roof to the Catholic Chaplaincy Building of The University Of Manchester, Oxford Road.

Architectural Flamboyance will be a weekly update looking at elements of Manchester’s buildings where the architect has been allowed to indulge in a little bit of self expression. It won’t include major architects, it won’t necessarily be about modern buildings, but it will show that the everyday architect can still, and has always been able to, create fresh designs even though the client’s small quantity of money tries to prevents them. No article will accompany the image of the element, it will speak for itself, any knowledge about it will be conveyed, however the buildings on show may have no data regarding them. But perhaps the acknowledgement in these updates will conjure up new data, or just give them the appreciation they require.