Showcase 2023 Student Spotlight: Ben Gadd
Student Spotlight featuring BArch (Hons) Architecture student, Ben Gadd and his Final Year project.
The project
This project is an atmospheric factory of lace based on the Nottingham Canal Positioned adjacent to the Nottingham Canal of which served the vehicle of industrialisation. The design aims to reinvigorate lost sense of craftmanship through the revival of the historic lace trade that had so much prominence on the development of the city of Nottingham. The factory exposes visitors to the entire process of production aiming to weave together old and new methods of craft of which once placed Nottingham on the global stage.
The inspiration behind the project
Sculptures by David Umemoto, Irish Embassy, Tokyo by William Matthews Associates, Science Museum Research Centre by Coffey Architects, Aarhus School of Architecture by Studio Adept and Homerton College Dining Hall by Fielden Fowles.
As you progress further through the course you are given more creative freedom and ability to work closely with tutors to create a design that is truly unique to you.
Being part of NTU
Ben's time at NTU has been good, despite the isolation with Covid impacting first year, his course has always been engaging, with the Uni offering social opportunities allowing him to leave with a great set of friends.
The architecture course fully paid for an entire weeklong trip to Zurich, Switzerland, where they were given the freedom to explore the country on their own and experience the amazing architecture of an incredible looking and incredibly expensive country.
Closing remarks
Unlike what some say, you don’t need a background in art or maths. It is an extremely challenging degree but as long as you have passion for design, you’ll do well. The course is entirely coursework based so it’s good to come in with some time management abilities as the workload adds up.
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